As of: February 10, 2024, 7:00 p.m
By: Laura Knops
Comments
Press
Split
Elevated cholesterol levels are considered to be particularly harmful to the heart.
What influence genes have and how the risk of heart attack can be reduced.
An increased cholesterol level is one of the main risk factors for a heart attack.
Because too much cholesterol can narrow the blood vessels, while low cholesterol levels protect the heart and blood vessels, as the
German Heart Foundation
informs.
Many people therefore try to avoid cholesterol in food.
However, it's not just diet that plays a role.
Rather, genes determine whether we suffer a heart attack in the course of our lives.
LDL cholesterol and lipoprotein(a): Inherited risk of heart attack
If the arteries narrow due to high cholesterol levels, this increases the risk of a heart attack.
© Science Photo Library/Imago
Basically, cholesterol is a vital “building material” in the body: it serves as a fat-like building block for cell walls and is involved in the formation of hormones.
Cholesterol is transported in the blood using so-called lipoproteins.
While the “good” high-density HDL lipoproteins prevent cholesterol from being deposited in the blood vessels, the lower-density LDL lipoproteins increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Because LDL lipoproteins transport cholesterol from the liver to the body's cells. If there are too many LDL in the blood, they deposit the cholesterol in the vessel walls.
The blood vessels constrict and it becomes more difficult for blood to flow through them.
Since LDL lipoproteins are contained in many foods, they should be avoided.
You can find even more exciting health topics in the free newsletter from 24vita.de, which you can subscribe to right here.
Lipoprotein(a) is just as harmful as the LDL lipoproteins.
However, this cannot be influenced by diet.
The level of lipoprotein(a) is almost entirely genetically determined, as the
NZZ
reports.
The lipoprotein(a) level can be measured using a blood test: values up to 75 nanomoles per liter are considered harmless, and above 125 the risk of a heart attack and stroke is significantly increased.
However, there is currently no drug to lower these values.
Keep risk factors in mind: exercise, eat healthy and don't smoke
While LDL cholesterol can be controlled with diet and special statins (medications), treating lipoproteins(a) is much more difficult.
With the help of a so-called lipoprotein apheresis, the disease-causing lipoprotein(a) can be washed out of the blood.
Despite the weekly treatment, however, it is unclear whether this actually reduces heart attacks and strokes.
My news
Slim overnight?
Certain types of tea are said to reduce belly fat while you sleep
King Charles III
has cancer: The three most common forms of cancer in men as they age
Influenza illness: How long does it last in an adult?read
Heart expert recommends: How to lower cholesterol levels effectively and easily read
According to experts, up to five kilos of weight loss per week should be possible - with intermittent fasting
Detoxify the liver: These foods are considered detox miracles - dandelion also helps detoxify the organs
Patients with a genetic predisposition should therefore avoid the typical risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and pay attention to the following:
do not smoke
drink little or no alcohol
aim for a normal weight
do sports regularly
reduce stress
Treat high blood pressure with medication
Control blood sugar
Lower LDL cholesterol with medication
Researchers are working on various medications that are intended to specifically lower lipoprotein(a), as the
Ärzteblatt
informs.
In addition to the so-called PCSK9 inhibitors, the drug inclisiran will be used more frequently in the future.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about medical conditions.