How to Lower Blood Lipids? As living standards improve, dietary habits have changed, making hyperlipidemia a common condition.
Recognizing Abnormal Lipids
1. Yellow, orange-yellow, or reddish-brown nodules, plaques, or rashes appear on certain body parts, medically termed "xanthomas."These nodules or rashes may appear on the heels, backs of hands, buttocks, elbows, knees, finger joints, etc. Some may manifest as yellow or orange-yellow linear streaks on the palms. Such manifestations often indicate familial hyperlipidemia, which is typically severe and warrants serious attention.However, flat xanthomas—slightly raised, orange-yellow lesions around the eyelids (most commonly on the inner upper eyelid)—can also occur in individuals with normal lipid levels. Certain ocular changes may sometimes indicate lipid abnormalities. For instance, the appearance of "senile rings" around the iris in individuals under 40 years old often suggests a potential familial hyperlipidemia.Additionally, during ophthalmic fundus examinations, lipid deposits causing light scattering on small arteries often indicate severe hypertriglyceridemia. 3. Patients with coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, or those who are obese may also have dyslipidemia and should routinely undergo lipid profile testing.
4. If family members, especially immediate relatives, have a history of early-onset coronary heart disease (before age 45 in men or 55 in women), particularly myocardial infarction, familial dyslipidemia may be present. Lipid testing should be considered for other family members.
5. Xanthelasma is a sign of elevated blood lipids in middle-aged and elderly women, primarily manifesting as small, pale yellow papules on the eyelids. Initially rice-grain sized and slightly raised, they may spread across the entire eyelid in severe cases.
How to Lower Blood Lipids
Increase physical activity and exercise: Exercise enhances metabolic function and boosts the activity of certain enzymes, especially lipoprotein lipase, which facilitates the transport and breakdown of triglycerides, thereby lowering blood lipids.
Avoid excessive stress: Emotional tension and overstimulation can elevate blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Completely quit smoking and avoid alcohol: Nicotine in cigarettes constricts peripheral blood vessels and increases myocardial excitability, leading to elevated blood pressure and angina attacks. Inappropriate alcohol consumption impairs cardiac function and damages the gastrointestinal tract, liver, nervous system, and endocrine system. Smoking and alcohol should be completely avoided.
Dietary Control: Limit intake of fats and cholesterol; increase consumption of plant-based proteins while reducing sweets. Opt for low-fat, low-sugar foods like millet and tubers. Strictly select cholesterol-poor foods such as vegetables, soy products, lean meats, and jellyfish. Prioritize fiber-rich vegetables to reduce intestinal cholesterol absorption.