2023-09-01 07:50:00
Increased Cholesterol Levels: First Signs and Symptoms
Unlike many other diseases, there are always warning signals with a stroke that you have to interpret correctly. Even with an overdose of vitamin D, the body sends clear signals. High cholesterol levels are not good for your health, in fact, they can lead to cardiovascular diseases.
However, they are often only detected by medical specialists after the first symptoms have already appeared. But there are some symptoms and signs that can be taken care of beforehand.
It is well known that high cholesterol levels can negatively affect your health. Among other things, they can promote cardiovascular diseases. According to the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, these diseases are responsible for over a third of all deaths in Germany. The Federal Statistical Office counts five heart diseases among the ten most common causes of death in Germany alone.
Some diseases are closely linked to risk factors such as obesity and only develop over the years, often as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle. That’s why prevention is very important. But why is high cholesterol a risk factor?
What is cholesterol actually?
It is important to know what cholesterol actually is. Basically, it is a raw material that is necessary for the human body. Cholesterol is an important component of the cell membrane and is involved in the formation of certain hormones. So every cell in the human body needs cholesterol. The demand for the raw material is mostly covered by the body itself.
The smaller part is ingested through food. Cholesterol is transported from the liver to the cells in our body via the blood. There it is further processed. However, as a fat, cholesterol is not soluble in aqueous fluids such as blood. That is why it is divided into so-called lipoproteins before it is transported. These lipoproteins are small particles made up of fat and various proteins. The cholesterol measured in the blood is differentiated between low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). As the name suggests, the lipoproteins are roughly classified according to their density.
If there is an excess of cholesterol, it gets back to the liver via the blood. Too much cholesterol in the blood and in the vascular walls can lead to serious damage to health due to vascular calcification (arteriosclerosis). This, in turn, leads to an increased risk of circulatory disorders, heart attack, and stroke. With regard to vascular diseases, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are particularly important: in various studies, researchers have been able to link a high level of LDL cholesterol directly to the risk of a heart attack and mortality from cardiovascular diseases. The LDL is therefore colloquially called “bad cholesterol”.
Reasons, consequences, and symptoms of high cholesterol
If your LDL cholesterol levels are too high, more and more cholesterol will accumulate at the blood vessel junctions. The deposits have the consequence that the vessels are narrowed and could eventually close completely. In addition, the deposits favor inflammatory reactions, which can permanently damage the vessel walls. Our body tries to repair the injuries with blood platelets and new tissue. This, in turn, increases the risk of deposits tearing or blood clots forming. Blood clots are a common cause of a heart attack and stroke.
According to the Health Knowledge Foundation, the cause of high cholesterol levels is usually a hereditary predisposition in connection with an unhealthy lifestyle. The latter includes poor nutrition, lack of exercise, overweight, or obesity. A healthy lifestyle, sufficient exercise, and a healthy, balanced diet can provide prevention.
In addition, as a preventive measure, the German Heart Foundation recommends drinking little alcohol, avoiding obesity, and not smoking. In some cases, liver or kidney disease, a blockage of the bile duct, or hypothyroidism can cause increased cholesterol levels. Taking certain medications and hormonal changes, for example during menopause, can also lead to high cholesterol levels.
Skin changes can occur due to increased cholesterol levels
Too high LDL cholesterol levels don’t hurt and are therefore often not noticed by those affected for a very long time. In some cases, however, skin changes turn up. They refer to yellowish, sometimes pimple-like fatty deposits on the arms and legs, the eyelids, or the buttocks.
These are also referred to as Xanthomas and can be recognized as early signs. If the blood vessels are already constricted due to high cholesterol over many years, symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, or pain in the legs may occur. At the first symptoms or signs, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Conclusion – Skin changes can be the first sign of high cholesterol
If you have elevated cholesterol levels, this usually does not cause any complaints. However, skin changes can be the first signs that you can sometimes see on the face. It is important to take possible signs seriously and allow for medical clarification.
You have the ability to control your cholesterol levels by undergoing an early detection examination. This examination is particularly useful if increased LDL cholesterol levels have already occurred in the family. In principle, everyone with statutory health insurance has the eligibility for screening tests to detect signs of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and diabetes from the age of 35 every three years. Those insured between 18 and 35 years have the opportunity to claim this offer once.
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