As age increases, the impurities in the blood pile up, making the blood vessel walls thinner and more fragile. Without timely conditioning, the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease in the future will significantly increase.
It is said that the current medical technology is very advanced, but diseases like high blood fat have not been completely cured yet. Diagnosed patients still need long-term medication.
High blood lipids are known as a hidden killer, often striking suddenly, leaving one feeling caught off guard.
Here are 5 signs that people with high blood lipids may experience, and if any of these signs appear, they should not be taken lightly:
1. Corneal Arcus
Corneal arcus is the appearance of a circular pale yellow or white ring around the edge of the black eyeball, about 1-2 millimeters wide. Normally, the appearance of this corneal arcus does not come with any other complications or affect vision; it is just a manifestation of elevated blood lipids.
2. Leg Cramps
Leg cramps during sleep are commonly associated with calcium deficiency, but it can also be linked to high blood lipids. When the fat content in the blood is very high, cholesterol can accumulate in the muscles, leading to muscle atrophy and cramping. Frequent calf cramps may indicate elevated blood lipids.
3. Leg Edema
Swelling in the legs and ankles could be due to elevated blood lipids. Increased blood viscosity can impede circulation, causing insufficient blood supply to the legs, leading to edema. Some patients may even experience exposed blood vessels along with leg swelling.
4. Dizziness and Headache
Severe high blood lipids may cause symptoms like palpitations, chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, speech difficulties, numbness in limbs, facial drooping, dizziness, headache, and chest tightness. It could potentially trigger serious conditions like coronary heart disease and stroke.
5. Xanthoma
When cholesterol accumulates beneath the skin, it can result in yellow or orange patches known as xanthomas. These patches are usually painless and itch-free, but if they appear on the palm or finger joints, it is a cause for concern.
Academician Chen Keji
Born in Fuzhou, Fujian, Academician Chen Keji is 91 years old and has made significant contributions to the research of vascular diseases in China. Having dedicated over 50 years to clinical research on high blood lipid diseases, he possesses unique medical insights.
Academician Chen stated that long-term vegetarianism does not guarantee a reduction in blood lipids because diet is a significant factor in inducing high blood lipids. To validate this point, Academician Chen conducted relevant studies.
The research results revealed that prolonged strict vegetarianism and unbalanced diet could disrupt endogenous fat metabolism. Even though individuals may not be obese, the incidence of cardiovascular diseases does not decrease. High blood lipid patients should not solely rely on vegetarianism because the body still synthesizes cholesterol, leading to hyperlipidemia. This is why some individuals may appear lean but still have high blood lipids.
If you frequently consume the following vegetarian foods, it can lead to elevated blood lipids. It is essential to control your intake to maintain good health:
– Spicy Chili
The compound in chili peppers is not suitable for excessive consumption as it can damage the gastric mucosa, disrupt personal gastric acid secretion, leading to symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Patients with high blood lipids are advised to take anticoagulant drugs under medical guidance. Statin drugs for lowering blood lipids should be taken in moderation with less consumption of spicy vegetables to prevent disturbance in lipid metabolism, causing an increase in cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
– Chinese Toon
Chinese toon, rich in nutrients such as calcium, iron, and phosphorus, offers excellent therapeutic effects. While consuming Chinese toon in moderation can strengthen the kidneys, spleen, aid digestion, it is considered a heaty food and should be avoided by patients with cardiovascular diseases to prevent an increase in blood lipids or blood pressure.
– Fennel
Fennel has a high sodium content, with approximately 100mg of sodium ions per 100g. It is a high-sodium vegetable. Excessive intake of sodium ions by hyperlipidemia patients can affect lipid metabolism, disrupt normal blood circulation, make blood viscous, and impede disease recovery. Some people may enjoy making buns or dumplings with fennel, although these are appetizing, they are not very friendly to individuals with high blood lipids. It is crucial to control intake. Occasional consumption may not significantly impact blood vessels, but it is essential to have a balanced diet.
Do not worry if you have high blood lipids; consuming these 5 types of food regularly will gradually lower your blood lipids:
– Onion
Onion, commonly seen in daily life, holds high nutritional value despite having a pungent odor. It contains prostaglandin A, which can dilate blood vessels. It also reduces blood viscosity, expedites the excretion of cholesterol and triglycerides, culminating in a blood lipid-clearing effect.
– Deep-Sea Fish
In real life, consuming deep-sea fish can effectively reduce blood viscosity. Deep-sea fish offer excellent blood lipid-lowering effects due to their abundance in unsaturated fatty acids, which reduce blood viscosity and eliminate excess cholesterol, stabilizing blood lipids. Therefore, individuals aiming to enhance blood viscosity should consider consuming deep-sea fish for protein, trace elements, minerals, etc.
– Hawthorn
Hawthorn can promote blood circulation, dilate blood vessels, increase blood flow, lower blood pressure, enhance metabolism, effectively reduce cholesterol content, eliminate impurities in blood vessel walls, purify blood, and provide better fresh blood for the body. Regular consumption of hawthorn is highly beneficial for individuals with cardiovascular diseases.
– Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes, a healthy food, prevent excessive obesity, lower blood lipids, and are rich in potassium and carotene. They are advantageous for heart function, normalize blood pressure, prevent stroke, and help treat night blindness.
– Oats
Oats have the ability to lower cholesterol and blood lipids. With abundant soluble fiber not found in other grains, this fiber is easily absorbed by the body and has a low caloric content, promoting weight loss. It is suitable for individuals with heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes, as it fulfills dietary requirements.