Cholesterol levels that are too high: Everyone should pay attention to this sign on their face

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Cholesterol is essential to life. But it can also be life-threatening. How to recognize high cholesterol levels - even before the doctor's visit.

We all know the term – and generally associate it with restrictions on our eating habits: cholesterol. Cholesterol, also known as cholesterol, is first of all indispensable for the body: the raw material is required for the formation of certain hormones and is an important building block of the cell membrane. Only a small part is absorbed through food (e.g. through animal products), the majority of what is required is produced by the body in the liver.

Cholesterol is not the same as cholesterol

A distinction is made between "bad" LDL cholesterol, which transports cholesterol from the liver into the body, and "good" HDL cholesterol, which transports cholesterol from the tissues back to the liver. High LDL is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and high HDL is thought to be associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

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These symptoms can indicate high cholesterol levels

If a doctor confirms that his patient's cholesterol level is too high, then it is the "bad" LDL cholesterol. The patient himself may not have any symptoms at this point, because the physical signs often only become noticeable when the cholesterol levels have been around for some time They include shortness of breath, impaired consciousness, tightness in the chest, dizziness, blurred vision or even aching legs. Then the greatest risk in the form of a heart attack or other cardiovascular diseases may be imminent. But not only then should it be A doctor should be consulted immediately.The regular health check-ups, to which people with statutory health insurance from the age of 35 are entitled every three years in Germany, can also reveal corresponding values.

Telltale sign on face

There is another facial sign that could indicate high cholesterol in the body: so-called xanthomas. These are "nodular, yellowish skin changes that are caused by the accumulation of cholesterol in the form of very fine droplets in certain cells under the skin," says a description of the medical portal MOOCI. "These skin changes are usually caused by metabolic diseases, especially lipid metabolism disorders. This means patients either have too high cholesterol or too little 'good HDL cholesterol'.” Most often, the nodules appear on the eyelids, but they can also be seen on the arms, legs, and buttocks.

What to do against high cholesterol levels?

However, an assumption does not save you from a visit to the doctor. Only experts can make appropriate diagnoses and initiate appropriate treatment. To prevent elevated cholesterol levels, everyone can contribute with a healthy, balanced diet. Little alcohol and a smoke-free life with a lot of exercise in the form of endurance sports also help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.