In medicine, elevated blood lipid levels refer to an increase in the body’s own blood lipids, cholesterol and triglyceride. Permanently too high values can result in vascular calcification and, in the long term, lead to heart attack or stroke, for example. The causes lie in congenital predisposition as well as in the individual lifestyle.
What are elevated blood lipid levels?
In the human body, the substances cholesterol and triglyceride are basically present because they are involved in vital functions. However, if the normal values of these so-called blood lipids are exceeded, serious and possibly even life-threatening diseases are imminent. These result from deposits in the vessels, which are caused by the excessive concentration of blood fats. The values increase, among other things, due to an unbalanced diet and lifestyle. Elevated blood lipids themselves usually do not cause any symptoms and are not seldom noticed until a secondary disease has already occurred. Regular blood tests can provide information on whether an increase in blood lipid levels exists and requires treatment.
Causes
The causes of elevated blood lipid levels are partly due to a congenital predisposition. For example, some patients suffer from a metabolic disorder in which cholesterol cannot be broken down in the liver as usual. In the majority of cases, however, the elevated blood lipid levels are acquired through the individual lifestyle of the person affected. Obesity, diabetes and a regular consumption of alcohol can drive the values up. The consumption of animal fat, for example in the form of fatty meat or even eggs, can also contribute to a permanent increase in blood fat levels and, as a result, medical treatment becomes necessary.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
Elevated blood lipid levels usually do not cause any clear symptoms or complaints at the beginning. Only when they persist for a longer period of time do clear signs and, as the condition progresses, serious complications develop. If elevated blood lipid levels are not treated, they also lead to elevated cholesterol levels in the long term, associated with obesity, circulatory disorders and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. In addition, a fatty liver develops, which in turn is associated with a variety of complaints – for example, jaundice, chronic pain and a drop in performance. This can be accompanied by arteriosclerosis, which manifests itself in the form of speech disorders, pain in the limbs, paralysis and chest pain, among other symptoms. In the long term, elevated blood lipid levels also have a negative effect on well-being. Those affected usually feel ill and are generally less able to perform. They may experience concentration problems, fatigue and exhaustion, and dizziness. In the late stages of the disease, life-threatening complications such as heart attack and stroke cannot be ruled out. Externally, elevated blood lipid levels cannot be detected. However, they usually occur in connection with weight problems and a generally unhealthy lifestyle. To avoid serious consequences, it is advisable to see a doctor when the above symptoms and complaints occur.
Diagnosis and course
Elevated blood lipid levels are usually detected by the attending physician. Laboratory testing of the blood can determine exactly whether elevated levels are present, what they are, and how drastic the elevation is. Such blood tests should be performed regularly, especially if risk factors such as obesity, lack of exercise or diabetes are present. The following applies: the more risk factors there are, the lower the blood lipid values should be in order to avoid serious secondary diseases. If elevated blood lipid levels remain untreated for a long time, the vessels in the body become increasingly calcified. As a result, there is a risk of life-threatening diseases such as heart attacks, strokes or fatty liver.
When should you go to the doctor?
Elevated blood lipid levels and elevated cholesterol are considered major risk factors for hardening of the arteries and can promote heart attack, stroke and also arterial occlusive disease. Therefore, they should always be examined by a doctor, they can be a symptom of various diseases and early treatment improves the chances of recovery.People with severe obesity, gout and diabetes in particular should be examined more closely, because elevated blood lipid levels cannot be recognized by typical symptoms; only a blood count can provide information. The examination can be carried out by a general practitioner, who can also provide treatment if necessary. Kidney and liver complaints should also be examined by a doctor. In some cases, elevated blood lipid levels can also cause muscle pain and atrophy, which should also be examined and treated by a doctor. However, those affected can also do a great deal themselves to improve their health, because the main cause is usually an unhealthy lifestyle and an unfavorable diet. A doctor can advise an individually tailored nutrition program, which the patient can test for several weeks. After that, blood lipid levels are checked again. In addition, it is important to limit alcohol consumption and ensure sufficient exercise to improve fat burning. If these measures are not sufficient, he can prescribe supplementary medication.
Treatment and therapy
If blood fat levels have only recently been elevated or are not yet elevated in a significant way, the affected person can try to lower them with some lifestyle changes. These include regular exercise and the reduction of excess weight, as well as a diet in which the body is fed only a few animal fats. Often, an improvement in blood lipid levels can already be achieved in this way. According to statistics, the values drop by up to 30 % if the lifestyle is adjusted. However, if the physician treating the patient finds that the blood lipid values are not reduced, he or she will also initiate a drug therapy. There are various alternatives here, which are more or less suitable depending on the individual medical history. For example, the body’s own production of cholesterol can be reduced, which leads to a general lowering of blood lipid levels. Alternatively, drugs are used that convert cholesterol into bile acid. Which drug is used is ideally determined by the doctor and patient in a detailed discussion. In particularly severe cases, blood washing can be performed to regulate the blood lipid level in the organism. However, such a procedure is very rarely necessary. In most cases, very good results are achieved with drug therapy. However, regular control of blood values is advisable in any case subsequently.
Outlook and prognosis
The prognosis of hyperlipidemia depends on various factors. Influencing factors include the individual levels of cholesterol and triglyceride, the lifestyle of the affected person, previous diseases, and the age of the patient. With a good, balanced diet, adequate exercise and a healthy lifestyle, elevated blood lipid levels can be reduced in many cases without medical treatment. Excess weight and the regular consumption of alcohol should be avoided in order to achieve an improvement in health. If a disease is present, the prognosis often worsens. In the case of a congenital metabolic disorder or diabetes, the patient requires long-term therapy or lifelong drug treatment. Blood lipid levels must be monitored regularly and corrected by the administration of medications. By optimizing the diet, relief of symptoms can be achieved despite a diagnosed underlying disease. The consumption of animal fats through fatty meat or eggs should be reduced or avoided so that blood lipid levels decrease. If hyperlipidemia remains unnoticed or untreated for a long time, the prognosis worsens. The vessels in the organism begin to calcify and circulatory disorders set in. In severe cases, the patient is at risk of life-threatening conditions or a fatal outcome with a heart attack or stroke.
Prevention
Since elevated blood lipid levels are often caused by personal lifestyle, it is advisable to ensure sufficient exercise and a balanced diet from the outset. Abstaining from stimulants such as alcohol and nicotine and avoiding obesity can also help keep blood lipid levels at a normal level. To control these, it is advisable to have regular blood tests. This can prevent the occurrence of serious secondary diseases.
Aftercare
Elevated blood lipid levels are dangerous. Therefore, they must remain under observation. What is difficult for aftercare is that the organism itself can produce cholesterol and cause high blood lipid levels. Patients should try to improve their blood lipid levels by eating a healthy diet low in fat and animal products and by getting enough exercise. If this is not possible, drug treatment must be considered. Follow-up care must aim to prevent the development of metabolic syndrome with all its health consequences. In overweight and obese people, follow-up must aim at weight loss. If necessary, hospitalization with this goal in mind is advisable. In patients who have been treated for Hodgkin’s syndrome, late effects may set in as a result of the therapy if they are cancer-free. These can affect various organs. Therefore, it is advisable to subject these patients to long-term follow-up. In particular, attention should be paid to elevated blood lipid levels, obesity or diabetes. This is due to the increased risk of suffering from heart problems in later years as a result of the treatment. The same obligation for follow-up over a longer period of time exists with regard to other cancers that have been treated in children, adolescents or adults. Elevated blood lipids represent a risk maximization that should be avoided.
Here’s what you can do yourself
Elevated blood lipids can cause vascular calcification and lead to heart attack or stroke in the medium to long term. In some affected individuals, elevated blood lipid levels are due to inherited metabolic disorders. In the vast majority of cases, however, the disorder results from the patient’s lifestyle. Obesity, diabetes and lack of exercise all contribute to high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The greatest influence, however, is usually exerted by an incorrect diet. Patients help themselves best if they consistently change their lifestyle and diet. This is not always easy and should be done step by step. It is best for patients to be supported by a trained nutritionist. In almost all cases, an excessively high proportion of animal-based foods is the reason for the excessively high blood lipid levels. Those affected should then familiarize themselves with the benefits of a plant-based diet. A complete renunciation of the favorite courts is thereby in all rule not at all necessary, but a drastic reduction of the supply of animal fats inevitably. Many sufferers are helped by substitute products that smell and taste like meat or sausage, but actually contain no or only a few animal components. Who has no experience with such products, can be advised in the specialized trade. Vegan mail-order companies, organic supermarkets and health food stores now have a large selection of plant-based alternatives. It is also important, especially for sufferers who are also overweight, to get enough exercise. Those who do not have enough discipline for this should enroll in a gym that also offers motivational training and monitoring of the personal exercise plan.
