Darrick Robles Hypercholesterolemia is a fat metabolism disorder that is triggered by an elevated cholesterol level in the blood. In most cases, the disease is caused by an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise and obesity. However, there can also be genetic causes behind hypercholesterolemia. The disease should be treated consistently with medical help, as there is a risk of serious complications. A disruption in lipid metabolism can lead to lipid plaques in the blood vessels and clog them. As a result, cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, strokes and other diseases caused by atherosclerosis develop.
What is hypercholesterolaemia?
Fat metabolism disorders ( dyslipidemias ) describe increased or reduced levels of blood fats ( lipids ). Hypercholesterolemia
describes an increased level of cholesterol in the blood.
An increase in cholesterol can lead to the formation of lipid plaques, which lead to narrowing and calcification of the blood vessels ( atherosclerosis ). The blood flow is restricted and the surrounding tissue cannot be supplied with sufficient oxygen ( ischemia ). This is the case, for example, with a heart attack or a stroke.
Causes of Hypercholesterolemia
A distinction is made between congenital (primary) hypercholesterolaemia and acquired (secondary) hypercholesterolaemia. Sometimes mixed forms of congenital and acquired hypercholesterolemia also occur.
In the case of primary hypercholesterolemia , various genetic defects trigger the disease. This includes, for example, familial hypercholesterolemia , in which the patients cannot absorb LDL cholesterol into the cells due to a genetic mutation. For this reason, pure hypercholesterolemia occurs. Familial hypercholesterolemia is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and can vary in severity. Treatment should be started as early as possible to prevent common complications.
Secondary hypercholesterolaemia is caused by other diseases such as diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease or an underactive thyroid. Various risk factors can also trigger hypercholesterolemia. These include, for example, obesity, a greasy diet and a lack of exercise . Taking various medications can also lead to altered cholesterol levels. In addition, secondary hypercholesterolemia can occur during pregnancy or during menopause.
Symptoms of hypercholesterolemia
Hypercholesterolaemia usually has no symptoms. The disease is usually discovered during a preventive medical check-up.
During the course of the disease, skin symptoms can occur that can indicate dyslipidemia:
- This includes, for example, yellowish skin changes on the eyelids, which are called xanthelasma .
- In addition, a whitish ring can appear at the lower edge of the cornea (arcus lipoides corneae).
- In addition, the patients sometimes notice yellowish nodular skin changes (xanthomas) on the arms, legs and buttocks.
Diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia
In order to make a diagnosis, the doctor treating you will first ask you a few questions. He will pay particular attention to risk factors. He will then examine you physically, paying attention to cardiovascular complications of hypercholesterolemia. A laboratory test is then necessary to determine the blood lipids. If there is a suspicion of hereditary hypercholesterolemia, a genetic test can be carried out.
Therapy of hypercholesterolemia
The aim of treating hypercholesterolemia is to prevent secondary diseases. The first and most important step in treatment is a change in lifestyle. You can contribute to this:
- Weight loss should be considered if your weight is above normal.
- Regular physical activity also reduces cardiovascular risk. Hiking, cycling or jogging can make a significant contribution to your physical and mental health.
- Try to stop smoking cigarettes. Your doctor can inform you about possible help.
- A healthy diet with lots of unsaturated fatty acids, nuts and avoiding sugary and alcoholic beverages also help to lower blood lipids. The so-called Mediterranean diet is recommended by nutritionists and is high in fruit, vegetables, fish, olive oil and whole grains and low in animal fat and red meat. Finished products and saturated fatty acids, which are mainly found in animal products, should be avoided completely.
If these measures do not help, drug therapy can be tried, for example with CSE inhibitors (statins). These inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol and thereby lower the high cholesterol level.
How can Med-Healths help?
In our video consultation you can discuss treatment and prevention options with a doctor. They can advise you on diet, common complications, treatment options, and answer your questions about hypercholesterolemia once the diagnosis has been made. If necessary, the doctor can issue you with a referral to see a specialist.
