Cholesterol: The invisible danger to your heart! How to recognize them!

Cholesterol: The invisible danger to your heart! How to recognize them!

On June 6, 2025, the health risk was again made aware of the health risk through high cholesterol levels. According to a study by the Institute for Higher Studies (IHS), 8.2 % of all deaths are due to excessive cholesterol levels in Austria. Over a million Austrians suffer from these increased values ​​that often remain unnoticed until they have serious consequences.

The LDL cholesterol, which has been deposited in the arteries over the years and leads to the risk of heart attacks or strokes, is particularly dangerous. Prim. Univ.-Prof. Martin Clodi, President of the Cholesterol Allianz, emphasizes the health and political relevance of the topic. Cholesterol is necessary for vitamin D and hormone formation, but high values ​​can be harmful. Reasons for these increased cholesterol levels are often greasy nutrition, lack of exercise, overweight, smoking and alcohol.

risk factors and symptoms

There are two main types of cholesterol: LDL (the "bad" cholesterol) and HDL (the "good" cholesterol). LDL cholesterol is stored in the vessels and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, while HDL transports excess cholesterol back to the liver and thus protects the vessels. A blood test is crucial to determine the cholesterol levels, and regular controls at the family doctor are important, as Dr. Dejan Baltic, medical director of Amgen Austria, underlines. In addition, a check-up should be considered from the age of 35.

High cholesterol levels are not an independent clinical picture, but a risk factor that should be viewed in combination with other health aspects. The German Heart Foundation warns that high cholesterol levels damage vessels over a long period of time, even if there are no symptoms at first. This can lead to serious diseases such as arteriosclerosis, which underlines the need for lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication.

therapy options and prevention strategies

To reduce cholesterol levels, experts recommend measures such as non-smoking, reduced absorption of saturated fats and trans fats, sufficient movement and weight reduction in overweight. In the event of a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, drug treatment can be useful. Statins are the best researched cholesterol -lowering medication and can increase life expectancy.

The benefits of medication is limited in humans without existing cardiovascular diseases, which is why an individual consideration is required. People with family -related hypercholesterolemia should also consider taking statins.

For more information on these important topics, you can do the articles from Vol.at , gesundheitsinformation.de and skebfung.de Consult.