Heart risk due to high blood lipid levels: Free online lecture on June 24th!

Heart risk due to high blood lipid levels: Free online lecture on June 24th!

The topic of blood lipid levels is of central importance in health care. Especially in times when unhealthy diets are widespread, it's worth taking a closer look. Today, June 16, 2025, the importance of cholesterol and triglycerides for the cardiovascular system will be discussed in a free online lecture by AOK Ulm-Biberach. The event will take place on Tuesday, June 24th at 7 p.m. Those interested can contact: my.schwaebische.de/aok register.

As nutritionist Birgit Krause explains, persistently elevated blood lipid levels can lead to serious health problems such as heart attacks and strokes. Nutrition plays an important role in this. People with high cholesterol levels in particular should choose low-fat animal products and consume sugar and alcohol in moderation. Processed foods that contain trans fats should be avoided at all costs.

Familial hypercholesterolemia – often undetected

Particular attention should be paid to familial hypercholesterolemia, a common genetic disorder that affects approximately one in 300 people worldwide. Unfortunately, only 15% of those affected know about their disease, which leads to a significant risk of cardiovascular disease. An international study found that over 166,000 children were tested for hereditary forms of diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia, with 305 children discovered to have familial hypercholesterolemia. This condition, if left undetected, can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke tenfold.

Symptoms of this disorder are often not immediately visible. However, there are signs such as high LDL cholesterol levels, which are five to ten times higher, and abnormal blood values ​​even in childhood. Warning signs such as fat deposits in the eyes (xanthelasmas) or yellow nodules (xanthomas) in the skin can also indicate this genetic disease. The main cause is usually a mutation of the LDL receptor gene, which is responsible for cholesterol being absorbed into the cells.

Therapy and prevention measures

Treatment for familial hypercholesterolemia often involves a combination of dietary changes and taking medications to lower LDL levels. Statins are often the drug of choice. Timely treatment can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition to medication, healthy lifestyle changes are also essential. This includes a diet rich in fiber and healthy fatty acids, as well as regular exercise and avoiding nicotine.

In special cases, LDL apheresis (a type of blood wash) may be necessary to permanently lower cholesterol levels. However, the costs for this can be considerable, up to 50,000 euros annually. In addition, lipoprotein (a) also plays a role as an independent risk factor for arteriosclerosis, which can also be inherited. Targeted therapy could also be necessary here.

The bottom line is that blood lipid levels should not be viewed as irrelevant. Whether through your own diet or through medical checks, it is worth taking action and minimizing the risk of serious illnesses. Find out more and take advantage of the opportunity to take part in the AOK's free online lecture to find out more about your health. Further details can be found on ndr.de as well as on apotheken-umschau.de.