High blood fat (High Cholesterol) is one of the chronic health problems that are commonly found in Thai people, especially in the working age group who live a fast-paced life and have behaviors thatEating a high-fat diet, lack of exercise, and accumulated stress These are all risk factors that can increase blood fat levels without you knowing it.

According to the data ofDepartment of Disease Control Stroke is the second leading cause of death among Thais and is also one of the leading causes of premature death, with most deaths occurring before the age of 70.

Data from the Ministry of Public Health's Health Database Reporting System (HDC) in 2024 found that:

• There are a total of cerebrovascular disease patients. 358,062 cases
• And there are a number of people who have died from this disease. 39,086 cases

One of the most important risk factors is “high blood fat”, which most people are unaware of because there are no obvious symptoms until severe complications occur, such as blocked coronary arteries or cerebral infarction.

What is blood fat?

Blood Lipids are a group of fats that circulate in the bloodstream. They act as a source of energy, provide warmth, and play a role in growth, brain function, and the body's metabolic system. 

Some of the fat in the blood can be created by the body itself, while the other part comes from the food we eat, especially fatty meats, butter, trans fats, and foods that are very sweet, oily, or salty. If your blood fat levels are too high or too low, it can increase your risk of heart disease and blood vessels. and other chronic diseases

Types of blood fat

• Cholesterol: It is fat that the body creates and gets from food. There are two types.
  
  • LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): called “LDL fat” Because it can accumulate in blood vessel walls. Causes blood vessels to narrow and harden. Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
    
  • HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): called “HDL fat” Because it helps bring excess cholesterol from the blood vessels back to the liver for elimination. Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease

• Triglycerides: It is a fat that the body uses as an energy source. It is obtained by eating foods that contain starch and sugar. It is useful in the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K. But if you have high triglyceride levels together with high LDL cholesterol levels, you are at risk of developing coronary heart disease and stroke.

Blood lipid table (mg/dl)

How dangerous is high blood fat?

Many people wonder that “Is 250 cholesterol dangerous?” The answer is "yes" Especially if it is LDL fat that is higher than 160 mg/dL because it will increase the risk of coronary heart disease, cerebral infarction and hardening of the arteries, which are the leading causes of death among Thais.

• Total cholesterol > 240 mg/dL is a high risk factor for coronary heart disease.
• LDL > 160 mg/dL is considered dangerous, especially if there are underlying diseases.
• High cholesterol of 250 is considered dangerous and should be advised by a doctor.

In some cases, even if the lipid levels do not appear to be very high, if there are genetic risk factors or a high Lipoprotein(a) level, treatment may be required.Deep blood lipid screening To see the size and number of fat particles, it will help to assess the risk more accurately.

Symptoms of high blood fat

What many people often misunderstand is “You have to have symptoms before you know.” But the truth is High blood fat often does not cause any symptoms in the early stages. Before long, I realized that I had acute myocardial infarction or a stroke.

But in some cases, small signs may be noticed, such as:

• Easily tired
• Frequent dizziness
• Chest pain during exertion
• Numbness or unusual coldness of the hands and feet

Annual blood tests are the best way to monitor and prevent.

How high is your blood fat before you need to take medication?

If behavioral changes do not reduce cholesterol levels, the doctor may consider using Statins to control cholesterol levels, especially in those at high risk, such as those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, such as:

• LDL > 160 mg/dL with underlying diseases such as diabetes, hypertension
• Total Cholesterol values > 240 mg/dL for several consecutive times
• Have a high-risk condition, such as having had heart disease or a stroke in the past.

Therefore, useCholesterol-lowering drugs cannot be used in the same way for everyone. Because of the quantity and necessity inThe use of medication will depend on each person's health and the assessment from the doctor.Whether or not to use it and what is the most appropriate dosage?

How to reduce blood fat safely and sustainably

1. Change eating behavior
   • Reduce fried foods, processed foods, saturated fats and trans fats.
   • Turn to eating fresh vegetables, grains, brown rice, beans and deep-sea fish.
     
2. Exercise regularly
   • Walk briskly, swim, or cycle for at least 30 minutes 5 days a week.
     
3. Weight control
   • Being overweight directly affects Triglyceride and LDL levels.
     
4. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
   • Helps increase HDL and reduces the chances of vascular inflammation.
     
5. Have your blood tested at least once a year.
   • Especially those aged 35 years and over or those with a family history of heart disease.

What should I eat if I have high blood fat?

Foods that help reduce blood fat

• Oatmeal, flaxseed, avocado
• Sea fish such as salmon and sardines
• Nuts such as almonds and walnuts
• Green leafy vegetables, berries, tomatoes
• Olive oil and canola oil

Foods to avoid

• Fried food, fried chicken, duck/chicken skin
• Bakery with margarine
• Sweetened condensed milk, non-dairy creamer
• Fatty meat and offal

High blood fat, know it and prevent it.

Although high blood fat may seem asymptomatic, if left untreated, it can unexpectedly lead to serious illnesses. The best solution is:

1. Exercise regularly, at least 150 minutes/week.
2. Control your weight and reduce your waistline.
3. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
4. Reduce stress and get enough sleep.
5. Chelation (Chelation Therapy) Helps reduce blood vessel blockage.
6. Consult a doctor to plan your individual health plan.

If you are concerned about your blood lipid levels or have had them checked and found they are high but are not sure how dangerous they are, we recommend that you consult an anti-aging medicine specialist at W9 Wellness Center for an in-depth health assessment and safe, personalized care.

Service branches

• Praram 9 Hospital Branch
  • Phone number: 092-9936922
  • Line: @w9wellness
  • Opening-closing hours: 08.00 – 17.00 hrs.
• Ploenchit Center branch
  • Phone number: 099-4969626
  • Line: @wploenchit
  • Opening-closing hours: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.