Our lipid metabolism is responsible for breaking down fats from food, transporting them and storing them. These fats serve as a source of energy, a basis for the formation of hormones and a building block for cells. This system is very finely tuned, but if it gets out of balance, specialists refer to this as a lipid metabolism disorder.

This leads to signs such as increased blood lipid levels. The most common form of lipid metabolism disorder is hypercholesterolemia, which is when the cholesterol level is too high. This leads to an excess of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL is a protein that distributes cholesterol in the body, which is why it's also called bad or unhealthy cholesterol.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL), by contrast, is a protein that transports cholesterol from the cells to the liver to be broken down. For this reason, it's considered "good" cholesterol. "The HDL level can be influenced primarily by physical activity and only slightly by nutrition," explains Ellen Weber, nutritionist at santé24 who holds a BSc from Bern University of Applied Sciences.

It's also possible to have an elevated level of triglyceride. This, too, can damage the blood vessels in the long term and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The reasons for a lipid metabolism disorder – and the consequences

A lipid metabolism disorder can develop over time or be inherited. It's often due to an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking or diseases such as hypothyroidism or diabetes. Genetic, familial hypercholesterolemia poses a particularly high risk of cardiovascular disease.

“Even if someone has a healthy lifestyle, their cholesterol levels can be elevated because of genetic factors. In such cases, a healthy lifestyle is particularly important,” says Weber. If blood lipid levels are elevated as a result of this lipid metabolism disorder, it can lead to deposits in the arteries and arteriosclerosis. This makes the blood vessels narrower and less elastic, which significantly increases the risk of a stroke or heart attack.

How to maintain healthy blood lipid levels

"If you have elevated blood lipid levels, an improvement in lifestyle can help. You should take a look at your diet, exercise and smoking habits and your own wellbeing," says the nutritionist. A balanced diet as described by the SGE, the Swiss Nutrition Society, is recommended. The "ideal plate", which shows how to put together a balanced main meal, is helpful.

Animal fats, especially sausages, fatty meat, butter and cream, should be reduced. Instead, you should include plant-based sources of protein and vegetable fats such as rapeseed, olive and linseed oil or fish in your diet. Prebaked pastries and fried snacks should also be avoided. A high intake of fibre such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits and pulses can lower LDL cholesterol levels. “Fibre helps the body bind and excrete dietary cholesterol,” explains Weber.

Exercise a lot and keep track of the numbers

In addition to a change in diet, physical activity also helps with lipid metabolism disorders. Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week improves cholesterol levels and promotes blood circulation. Sports such as cycling, swimming, jogging or walking are ideal. Regular check-ups by your GP also help detect changes in blood lipid levels early on so that preventive action can be taken.

That's really important. According to University Hospital Zurich (USZ), it's estimated that around one in two people over the age of 40 in our part of the world has elevated blood lipid levels. But you don't have to take a lipid metabolism disorder lying down.

With regular exercise, a balanced diet and some knowledge of how fats work, you can actively help protect your blood vessels and heart. “The key to managing your lipid levels is to cultivate a conscious and enjoyable approach to what you eat and your habits,” concludes Ellen Weber.

Nutrition advice by phone from santé24

Santé24 offers nutrition advice by phone on things like diet in the event of illness or after surgery, food intolerances and diseases of the digestive system. The advice includes recommendations for a healthy and balanced diet, as well as support with weight loss and nutritional issues.

Get advice by phone now. The service is free of charge for SWICA customers. Find out more.

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