DANGER. High blood fat is a common problem found nowadays in both working-age and elderly people. Those with high blood fat show no symptoms and would only know if getting their blood tested for fat levels. However, if blood fat remains high for a prolonged period, blood vessels will harden and narrow, leading to complications like ischemic heart disease and cerebral infarction (stroke).
Quick Check!! Who Has These Symptoms??
• Frequent headaches
• Dizziness, blurred vision
• Chest tightness
• Palpitations
• Body aches
What Causes High Blood Fat
High blood lipid disorder has several contributing factors, including lifestyle behaviors and uncontrollable predispositions:
1. Genetics: Family history of blood lipid disorders.
2. Certain medications: Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) for women, steroids for arthritis, etc.
3. Smoking/alcohol: Excessive tobacco or alcohol consumption.
4. Underlying conditions: Diabetes, kidney disease, hypothyroidism.
5. High-fat, high-cholesterol, high-sugar diet: Meat, eggs, dairy, fried food, sweets
High blood fat is a major risk factor for many diseases. Elevated lipid levels greatly increase the chances of atherosclerosis, which narrows blood vessels, especially those supplying blood to the heart. As such, people with high blood lipids are more likely to develop coronary heart disease, stroke, and other circulatory disorders.
Foods high in fat often taste sweet, rich, and delicious. But overindulgence can negatively impact circulation
The two main blood fats are cholesterol and triglycerides:
• LDL cholesterol carries fats from the liver to cells. High levels harden blood vessels.
• HDL cholesterol carries fats back to the liver for processing. It protects against LDL buildup.
• Triglycerides store and supply the body with energy but in excess amounts increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and fatty liver.
Those who should get tested include:
• Adults over 45 years old (men) or 55 years old (women)
• People with a family history of premature heart disease
• Smokers
• Those with high blood pressure or diabetes
Prevention Tips:
1.Limit high-cholesterol foods
2.Eat more vegetables and high-fiber foods
3.Exercise regularly
4.Maintain healthy weight
Without dietary and lifestyle changes, accumulating blood fats greatly raise the odds of developing severe illnesses. It’s not worth the long-term consequences. Start taking control now by adding more heart-healthy anti-lipid foods into your diet. You don’t have to give up all your favorites – just balance them with protective foods to lessen disease risks.
