High cholesterol is dangerous because it can constrict blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Many causes can be avoided.
Frankfurt – When it comes to health and nutrition, sooner or later the topic of cholesterol comes up. Many people consider it one of the substances to avoid at all costs. It can clog the vessels and thus significantly increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease. But what exactly is cholesterol and how does it get elevated?
Cholesterol is a vital substance and is one of the dietary fats. In the body, it helps in the formation of hormones, such as the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone, reports the Health Knowledge Foundation. It is also a component of cell membranes. When it comes to cholesterol, a distinction is made between LDL and HDL cholesterol, of which only the LDL variant is deposited in the blood vessels. Although cholesterol is one of the dietary fats, it is not only food that is responsible for increased values - other causes can also be behind it.
High cholesterol levels: what are the causes and what does the substance actually do?
The HDL cholesterol is supposed to carry the LDL cholesterol from the blood to the liver. However, if there is more LDL cholesterol than the liver can absorb, it builds up on the walls of the blood vessels. The vessels narrow and arteriosclerosis can form, which in turn increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, reports the pharmacy magazine. Colloquially, one also speaks of hardening of the arteries. Even if they often go unnoticed for a long time, there are signs that indicate high cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol is ingested through food, but that is not the only way it enters the body. In fact, most cholesterol is made in the body itself, primarily in the liver. Each body cell controls the formation itself. If a lot of cholesterol is ingested through food, the cells react and form less themselves, writes the Health Knowledge Foundation. However, this only works up to a certain point. If too much cholesterol is ingested, the cells can no longer compensate and the levels in the blood rise.
These are the causes of high cholesterol levels – you should pay attention to them
According to the health portal, these four factors are particularly important gesundheitsinformation.de responsible for high cholesterol:
- Unhealthy diet
- Too little movement
- Smoking
- overweight
In order to lower high cholesterol, the German Heart Foundationto adjust lifestyle. Alcohol and smoking abstinence, as well as regular exercise and a healthy diet have a good effect on the fat metabolism. The results of a study even state that the heart can be rejuvenated with sport. A healthy weight is also a measure against high cholesterol levels. Since there are many diets to lose weight, the most effective form of nutrition is chosen by experts every year, this year for the sixth time in a row it is the Mediterranean diet. It is also recommended by the Heart Foundation.
Editor’s note
The information given in this article does not replace a visit to a doctor. Only experts can make the right diagnosis and initiate appropriate therapy. The intake of medication or dietary supplements should be discussed with a doctor beforehand.
The right diet can help with high cholesterol levels, and eating habits also affect the cardiovascular system and can help protect it. (kiba)