WHAT IS CHOLESTEROL?

Cholesterol is a lipid, a fat that is produced in the liver. In order for cholesterol to get from the liver to where it is needed, it needs transport proteins. The best known are LDL and HDL.

LDL is the more harmful protein of the two. If there is too much of it in the blood, the cells can no longer absorb it. The lipoprotein is deposited on the vessel walls and can lead to narrowing of the arteries. This narrowing of the blood vessels increases the risk of heart attack, stroke or thrombosis.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM AFFECTED?

High cholesterol levels cannot be found without medical examinations. Because high values ​​are not noticeable and do not cause pain. Those affected often only realize afterwards that they have high cholesterol levels in their blood - after a stroke or heart attack.

WHICH VALUES ARE NORMAL?

Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter. A limit of 116 is a first indication, but other personal factors must always be taken into account. There is therefore no uniform limit value because singular values ​​and personal risks of illness also play a role.

TREATMENT OF EXCESSIVE VALUES

Those affected can take cholesterol inhibitors. The most commonly used active ingredients are statins. They inhibit an enzyme in the liver that is responsible for the production of cholesterol. The result: The LDL level in the blood drops and with it the risk of the vessels narrowing.

SIDE EFFECTS OF STATIN THERAPY

Common side effects of statins include gastrointestinal problems, headaches, allergic reactions and muscle problems. Only 0.1 percent of those affected experience serious side effects.

ARE THERE NATURAL CHOLESTEROL LOWERERS?

One option is red, fermented rice. This contains monacolin-K, which is similar to the active ingredient lovastatin, a natural form of a cholesterol-lowering drug. However, this rice also contains other components that we do not know how they work. It can also be contaminated and is difficult to dose.

DOES A HEALTHY DIET LOWER CHOLESTEROL?

80 to 85 percent of cholesterol is produced in the body. If we were to completely avoid it in our diet, a maximum of 15 to 20 percent of the cholesterol value could be reduced.

DISAGREEMENT ON TAKING CHOLESTEROL LOWERING SUGGESTIONS

There is disagreement among doctors about the cholesterol level and risk factors at which medication should be prescribed to patients who have not yet had a heart attack or stroke. One thing is certain: statins reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. Doctors and patients should critically examine whether their use is also necessary and useful as a preventive measure.

Author and source: 

Nina Rathfelder / SWR market check
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