High and low density cholesterol. Lowering LDL cholesterol


Patients ask what to do if LDL cholesterol is elevated, what should be its norm. The abbreviation LDL stands for low density lipoprotein. Lipoprotein (or lipoprotein) is a conglomerate of proteins and lipids.

How is LDL cholesterol determined in the body?

On the basis of density, lipoproteins are divided into the following types:

  • lipoproteins high density that perform the function of transferring cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver;
  • low density lipoproteins responsible for the transport of cholesterol and other substances from the liver to peripheral tissues.

There are also medium and very low density lipoproteins that carry substances from the liver to the tissues.

Low-density lipoproteins, the abbreviation for which is LDL, are the most atherogenic formations, that is, substances that provoke the development of atherosclerosis. This type of lipoprotein carries the so-called "bad" cholesterol. When LDL cholesterol, or "bad" cholesterol, is elevated, the patient's chances of atherosclerosis are high.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease of the arteries, in which they are clogged due to the deposition of cholesterol resulting from a violation of protein- fat metabolism in the body. Causes of early death cardiovascular diseases, namely myocardial infarction, stroke, often consist in atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels.

Diseases characterized by an increased content of low-density lipoproteins may also have a hereditary condition. These cases include hereditary hyperlipoproteinemia. This is the case when LDL cholesterol in the blood is elevated due to a disease transmitted through the family line.

Friedwald formula. Level detection LDL cholesterol plays important role in diagnosing the state of health of the patient and in his subsequent treatment. To do this, use the Friedwald formula. It is based on the quantitative ratio of low density lipoproteins, total cholesterol(good and bad) and triglycerides (fats).

According to the Friedwald algorithm, low-density lipoproteins (compounds of lipids and proteins) are equal to the difference between total cholesterol and the sum of HDL and triglycerides, divided by 5.
LDL = total cholesterol - (HDL + TG / 5).

In addition to the Friedwald formula, there are a number of other algorithms for calculating LDL levels.

What is the normal LDL?

What is the normal LDL level? The American Heart and Vascular Health Association has developed recommendations based on carefully calibrated LDL levels. LDL cholesterol levels:

The given data are conditional indicators developed on the basis of statistical data on diseases and mortality from cardiovascular diseases resulting from high content low density cholesterol in the blood.

It should be noted that a number of groups of people with very high performance LDL do not suffer from cardiovascular disease caused by vascular blockage.

How can cholesterol be lowered?

How to lower cholesterol? The LDL-lowering treatment strategy is a conglomeration of both drug and non-drug treatments.

Non-drug methods

These ways are directly related to the diet and lifestyle of the patient and can be applied independently not only by those who are concerned about how to lower cholesterol, but also by people interested in prevention.

  • reduce calorie intake;
  • switch to diet low content animal fats;
  • eat less easily digestible carbohydrates (sweets);
  • refuse fried foods;
  • get rid of bad habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol;
  • include polyunsaturated foods in your diet fatty acid(omega-3) found in oily fish, linseed oil;
  • eat fresh vegetables, legumes, herbs, fruits, berries;
  • to increase level physical activity;
  • beware of stress.

What to do if low-density cholesterol is elevated? In some cases, patients are prescribed a hypocholesterolemic diet, balanced in terms of the amount of fats and fast carbohydrates. In some, not particularly advanced cases, not burdened by complications, following a hypocholesterolemic diet is enough to eliminate the problem.

If non-drug remedies do not work within 3 months, the patient is prescribed drug treatment.

Medicinal methods

With the described violations, lipid-lowering drugs are prescribed to patients.

Taking the remedies described below can only have an effect if the above rules and diet are followed.

Lipid-lowering drugs are therapeutic agents used to lower LDL levels. By the nature of the impact on the body, they are divided into many groups, only the main ones are given below.

The norm of LDL in the body is restored with the help of statins. These include:

  • Lovastatin;
  • Simvastatin;
  • Pravastatin;
  • Fluvastin;
  • Rosuvastin, etc.

Fibrates reduce bad cholesterol in the blood, and lower triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are fats that are a source of energy for cells, but at high concentrations they increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and pancreatitis. Fibrates include:

  • Clofibrate;
  • Bezafibrate;
  • Fenofibrate;
  • Ciprofibrate.

These drugs increase the risk of stone formation in gallbladder.

There are drugs that enhance excretion, that is, the release of bile acids that are involved in the processing of cholesterol. Due to this action, the level of cholesterol in the blood decreases. This type of drug includes:

  • Cholestyramine;
  • Kolekstran;
  • Kolesevelam.

It must be remembered that all of these drugs can only be used as prescribed by the attending physician. All the above treatments are given in a simplified, schematic form and offer only approximate information for lowering LDL, and therefore cannot be taken as a guide to self-treatment.

It is very important for human health to understand the mechanism of assimilation nutrients in the body, role healthy eating, the right way of life in general. The content of harmful cholesterol in the blood in many cases is a pathology provoked by violations of the regime.

Lowering the level of bad cholesterol is carried out primarily with the help of an orderly diet and healthy lifestyle life.

AT human body contains high and low density lipoproteins. Simply put, good and bad cholesterol. The first is produced only in the liver, and the second can enter the bloodstream from food consumed. HDL performs very important functions for life, bad cholesterol LDL at a high level in the blood forms plaques, which subsequently clog blood vessels, leading people to strokes and heart attacks.

Such an indicator cannot be measured just by looking at a person. Deviation from the norm manifests itself in the form of symptoms of atherosclerosis, and to make sure that cholesterol is to blame, you need to do a biochemical blood test. The conditions for delivery include fasting for the last 12 hours. You can take tests from a vein or from a finger. So, the level of good cholesterol, bad cholesterol and triglycerols is determined. Those who are at risk should check these indicators with great regularity.

For each person cholesterol LDL norm individual, but it varies within certain limits. The level of LDL is divided into:

  • Optimal - less than 2.6 mmol per liter of blood;
  • Close to optimal - up to 2.6 to 3.3 mmol;
  • Borderline high - from 3.4 to 4.1 mmol;
  • High - from 4.1 to 4.9 mmol;
  • Very high - more than 4.9 mmol.


When a person first receives test results and sees that LDL cholesterol is elevated, he immediately begins to panic, and what does this mean and how to deal with it. The reason for the increase in this indicator is most often a hereditary predisposition, as well as eating a large amount of fatty foods. But in most people suffering from cholesterol, both factors are present.

High LDL cholesterol: other causes

These include kidney problems - inflammation, which subsequently develops nephrotic syndrome, and renal failure. If the liver becomes ill (cirrhosis, hepatitis), bile stagnates, or there are stones in the gallbladder, this also negatively affects the increase in low-density cholesterol. Of great importance in this matter is oncological disease pancreas and prostate, diabetes mellitus.

A person may be to blame for a sharp increase in blood cholesterol levels by consuming large doses alcohol and obesity due to malnutrition. By the way, eggs and kidneys, which contain cholesterol, cannot increase its level in human blood too much, this is done by foods with saturated fats - pies and cakes, red meat, biscuits and cream.

If life is connected with the absence of active movements, bad cholesterol increases, and good, on the contrary, decreases. This also subsequently leads to obesity and all the same problems with cholesterol. It should also be noted that gender plays an important role in this, since men are more susceptible to increase LDL and the risk of atherosclerosis increases with age.

If the analysis of LDL cholesterol shows reduced levels, this happens when a person gets burns over large areas of the body, suffers from acute infectious diseases, cancer bone marrow, liver disease, thyroid gland, lungs. In addition, a decrease in LDL levels indicates that a person is eating foods without fat and cholesterol and may be taking certain medications.

It is not safe for a person when cholesterol increases, but when it decreases greatly, this does not bode well.


High LDL cholesterol - what does it mean?

With an increase in high-density lipoproteins, the risk increases significantly:

  • clogged arteries cholesterol plaques, that is, the occurrence of atherosclerosis;
  • damage to the arteries through which blood with oxygen enters the heart - coronary disease;
  • pain in the chest due to pumping an insufficient amount of blood - angina pectoris;
  • deterioration of blood access to the heart, due to which the heart muscle dies and myocardial infarction occurs;
  • blockages in the arteries that carry blood to the brain, causing cell death and stroke.

Understand what the patient has high cholesterol Not even a doctor can do it without test results. But a person usually goes to the hospital if he has symptoms of atherosclerosis:

  • angina;
  • blood clots;
  • tearing blood vessels leading to a mini-stroke;
  • pain in the legs during physical exertion due to constricted blood vessels;
  • heart failure as a result of plaque rupture and violation of the integrity of the arteries;
  • the appearance of yellow spots under the eyes - xanthoma.

Triglycerins in the blood

Another type of lipoproteins are triglycerols, which act as the main source of energy for cells. Their entry into the body is due to the use of food. Their synthesis occurs in the liver and intestines, as well as in adipose tissue.

What is the level of triglycerols, as well as LDL cholesterol, largely depends on the age of the patient. An analysis for this indicator is carried out in the diagnosis of atherosclerosis and other diseases.

Until the age of 15, boys have triglycerol levels lower than girls by about 0.07 mmol per liter of blood. In this case, the norm for the female is about 1.48 mmol. For the rest of their lives, the lower and upper limits of the norm of triglycerides in men are greater than in women. For example:

  • 30 years old: M 0.56-3.01 W 0.42-1.63
  • 40 years: M 0.61-3.62 W 0.45-1.99
  • 50 years: M 0.65-3.70 W 0.52-2.42
  • 60 years old: M 0.65-3.23 F 0.62-2.96
  • 70 years old: M 0.62-2.94 W 0.68-2.71.

If triglycerols are elevated in the blood, this indicates the possibility of coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, obesity, kidney failure, gout, Down syndrome, alcoholism, diabetes and other diseases. Sometimes the results can be affected by pregnancy, taking hormonal drugs and oral contraceptives.

Indicators with numbers below the norm are visible in strokes, poor diet, chronic diseases lungs and thyroid gland, leaning on the intake of vitamin C.


First of all, when LDL is higher than healthy cholesterol, you need to change your lifestyle. In the morning or gym should be carried out physical exercises, thereby bringing the body weight back to normal. The quality of sleep is very important, that is, you need to sleep at least 8 hours. Getting rid of smoking and drinking alcohol will also greatly improve the patient's well-being. Oily and junk food need to replace the right products with lots of greens, fresh vegetables and fruits, cereals, meat and fish.

Doctors say that patients with a predisposition to atherosclerosis will not be able to improve the situation only in these ways. You will also need drug treatment with aspirin, niacin, statins and other drugs.

Keeping track of your health is the business of every person, therefore, when the first anxiety symptoms you need to seek help from specialists as soon as possible. Independent work over yourself is no less important in such a matter as getting rid of high bad cholesterol.

Video about cholesterol

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What should a person do if a biochemical analysis shows that LDL cholesterol is lowered? What it is? Every person should know the answers to these questions, since violations of the concentration of cholesterol in the blood are observed in a large number adults, and this requires the appointment of drug and non-drug treatment.

The main fats in the blood: cholesterol, triglycerides and high and low density lipoproteins. A complex of proteins and fats, or simply lipoprotein, allows the transport of fats throughout the body.

A significant part of lipids is present in the blood in various forms.

At the same time, lipoproteins themselves are a fairly diverse group of molecules with different structures and functions:

  • High density lipoproteins (HDL) is a group of molecules involved in the transport of cholesterol and other lipids from peripheral tissues to the liver, where they can be used to perform important functions. biological functions. Due to this, these HDL prevent the deposition of lipids in the vessels and have an anti-atherosclerotic effect, and therefore, an increase in their concentration in the blood is an important factor protection against diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
  • Low and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL and LDL) on the contrary, they carry cholesterol and other fats from the liver to adipose tissue, organs and vessels, which can lead to the development of atherosclerosis if their norms in the blood are exceeded. In this case, the patient significantly increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease, disorders cerebral circulation etc.

It is important to note that all fats play a key role in the work of many internal organs and are indispensable for maintaining human health.

In this regard, the determination of LDL cholesterol according to Friedwald plays an important role in clinical practice and is shown to a large number of patients.

To determine low-density cholesterol, which plays a negative role in the development of heart and vascular diseases, Friedwald derived a special linear formula: Low-density lipoproteins equal the difference between total cholesterol and the sum of HDL and triglycerides, divided by 5:

LDL \u003d Total cholesterol - (HDL + TG / 5).

It is very important that the level of triglycerides in the blood of a person be below 400 mg / dl. If measurements are taken in mmol / l (the most common indicator), then a formula is used in which the difference in indicators is divided by 2.2, and not by 5. It is important to remember that there are other types of formulas for finding out the concentration of LDL in the blood, which are most commonly used when triglycerides are over 400 mg/dl.


Friedwald calculation

An increase in the amount of low density lipoproteins is one of the key risk factors for the development of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, encephalopathy, and other diseases with atherosclerotic vascular lesions.

Content changes

The concentration of lipids in the blood can change if a person has various diseases. An increase in the content of LDL can be observed with:

  • Excess body weight and obesity of any severity.
  • Hereditary disorders of fat metabolism.
  • Damage to kidney function in various diseases.
  • Long-term consumption of foods rich in fats.
  • Reception of some medicines(androgens, glucocorticoids, combined oral contraceptives, beta blockers, etc.).


Lipidogram - analysis for lipid spectrum blood

It is possible that the patient's low-density cholesterol will be reduced. Similar values ​​can occur if the following conditions are observed:

  • Prolonged fasting or lack of fat in the diet.
  • Chronic stress associated with various conditions.
  • Chronic types of anemia.
  • Congenital disorders of the thyroid gland, cystic fibrosis.
  • Absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract, etc.

What does this mean and what to do in such situations? If a person has changes in the content of blood lipids, then it is necessary to contact the attending physician and undergo a clinical examination using auxiliary diagnostic procedures.


Lipidogram is a biochemical blood test that allows you to objectively assess abnormalities in fatty tissue. metabolic process

Health impact

Hypocholesterolemia means a decrease in cholesterol and LDL in the blood below normal indicators in the population. At the same time, it is very important to assess the degree of decrease in indicators. If blood lipids, in particular low-density lipoproteins, are slightly lower normal values, then it is not dangerous, since, most often, problems arise if their number is increased. This significantly increases the risk of developing severe cardiovascular diseases ( ischemic disease heart, myocardial infarction, etc.).

Control lipid profile blood is a prerequisite for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in people at risk for this pathology.

If the decrease in lipids is significant, then the patient may develop unpleasant symptoms in the form of weakness, disruption gastrointestinal tract, inhibition of reflexes nervous system, mood disorders with its decrease and the development of depression, decreased libido. Similar situation requires the appointment of rational therapy.

How to treat?

Therapy similar condition is a serious and not an easy problem. When identifying lower scores fat in plasma, a person must definitely contact his doctor, as the causes of this condition may be different. It is important to conduct a full clinical examination to identify possible liver diseases, infectious pathology and serious errors in diet with a lack of lipids.


A timely study will allow you to fix the growth of cholesterol in the blood and take action in time

The main point of treatment is the observance of a proper diet, which is based on foods with a relatively high amount of fat, such as fatty varieties of fish, meat, egg yolk etc. It is very important to constantly conduct a biochemical analysis of blood with the determination of cholesterol and LDL according to Friedwald in order to avoid a condition in which the level of fats will need to be lowered.

Cholesterol and lipoproteins are the most important components of the human body involved in in large numbers biological functions. A decrease in these indicators in the blood can lead to the development unpleasant symptoms, up to a serious disruption of the internal organs. Therefore, the definition of cholesterol according to Friedwald - good way control of fat metabolism and identification of patients with similar diseases.

A blood test for cholesterol and LDL allows you to determine if their levels have deviated from the norm. If this happened in big side, which means that atherosclerosis develops in the body, which reduces the elasticity of blood vessels, is the cause of increased thrombus formation, blockage of an artery or vein by a thrombus. Low level cholesterol is also dangerous, because many processes in the body cannot occur without it.

Cholesterol is a fatty natural alcohol, most of which is synthesized by the liver, the rest comes into the body from food. With the help of this substance, the shells of all cells of the body are formed. Also, on its basis, steroids are synthesized, including sex hormones. In addition, cholesterol has a positive effect on strengthening bones, is involved in the work of the immune, nervous, digestive systems, performs a number of other very important functions.

But if the amount of cholesterol exceeds the norm, it begins to fall on the walls of blood vessels and form growths, reducing the elasticity of arteries and veins. This is the cause of impaired blood flow and can provoke blockage of the vessel by a thrombus. This problem is explained by the fact that cholesterol is not able to dissolve in water. To get to the cells, it forms compounds with lipoproteins of different density - medium, low and high. So called compounds that consist of lipids and proteins.

Low and medium density lipids (LDL or LDL) are responsible for the transport of cholesterol through the blood to the cells. After the cells take the amount of cholesterol they need, the remains are picked up by high-density lipoproteins (HDL or HDL) and taken to the liver for processing.

You should also be aware that LDL does not dissolve very well either. Therefore, along the way, cholesterol precipitates on the walls of blood vessels. At healthy person near the vascular walls are enzymes that the sediment destroys. But with age, these components become less and less, and the cholesterol sediment is gradually fixed on the vascular walls. Especially if HDL in the body is below normal, while the amount of LDL is increased.


First, the growth that settles on the vascular walls is characterized by a loose consistency. At this stage, it can still be dissolved. But there is also a danger here: at any moment a small part can come off the plaque and clog the vessel. This means that the tissues it serves will be deprived of nutrition, which will lead to their death. That is why atherosclerosis of the vessels of the brain or heart is the cause of heart attacks, which often end in death.

As the plaque forms, it becomes hard and replaces the vascular wall. As the walls are destroyed, they bleed, which leads to increased formation of blood clots: this is how the body tries to cure the vessels. Over time vascular walls lose elasticity, become brittle, as a result of which hemorrhage can occur at any time.

How to decipher the results

You can suspect the development of atherosclerosis if a person leads a sedentary lifestyle, is obese, prefers food with a high level of animal fats. At risk are diabetics, as well as those people who have problems with the thyroid gland, liver, kidneys.

You should also know that the level of cholesterol, LDL in men begins to rise, while HDL levels fall after the age of twenty, in women after menopause. Constant stress, smoking, alcohol are also the cause high content cholesterol and LDL, as well as low HDL.


Doctors recommend that women and men do a lipid profile at least once a year. Since atherosclerosis does not manifest itself in the initial stages, this will allow you to timely notice the deviation of cholesterol, HDL, LDL from the norm, and prevent the development of a heart attack, stroke or other serious problems.

Lipidogram is a study that allows you to determine the level of cholesterol, LDL, HDL in the blood, as well as to understand the state of fat metabolism in the body. Conduct it with biochemical analysis blood.

First, the level of total cholesterol is determined in the blood of women and men. Norms in different laboratories may differ. Therefore, it is imperative to pay attention to the indicated figures, which are next to the decoding of personal data: these are the norms adopted in the laboratory where the analysis was carried out.

It is believed that the norm of total cholesterol in the blood of women and men should be:

In order for the doctor to be able to get a clear idea of ​​the state of lipid metabolism, knowledge of the level of total cholesterol alone is not enough. You also need to know the concentration in the blood of HDL and LDL. Therefore, he appoints to examine the blood for the number of lipoproteins of different densities.

The following LDL values ​​indicate the following conditions:

  • up to 2.5 mmol / l (low probability of myocardial infarction);
  • 2.6 - 3.3 mmol / l - optimal performance;
  • 3.4 - 4.1 mmol / l - increased values;
  • 4.1 - 4.9 mmol / l - high concentration;
  • more than 4.9 mmol / l - a very high risk of heart attack.

Also, the doctor should know how much high-density lipoprotein is contained in a person's blood. The amount of HDL in healthy body women should be above 1.68 mmol / l. In a man, the HDL indicator in the blood, the norm exceeds 1.45 mol / l.

Reasons for deviations

An increased amount of cholesterol and LDL, as well as a low amount of HDL in women and men, can be triggered by the following reasons:

  • malnutrition when food contains high level carbohydrates, trans fats, and very little fiber, pectins, vitamins, minerals, vegetable fats;
  • obesity, overeating;
  • alcohol abuse, smoking;
  • bile stasis and other liver problems;
  • kidney disease;
  • some medicines;
  • problems with the pancreas, thyroid gland;
  • increased production of hormones that the adrenal cortex synthesizes;
  • some viral infections;
  • in women - pregnancy.

Low cholesterol in women and men is also dangerous, as it indicates the development of serious diseases. Such values ​​are observed after prolonged hunger strikes, due to serious burns. It happens when the body is unable to properly absorb fats, which indicates a serious metabolic disorder and requires medical care.


Cholesterol can be lowered in tuberculosis, chronic heart failure, acute infectious diseases, blood poisoning, cirrhosis, oncology. In this case, the person needs urgent medical attention. Otherwise, there will be a lethal outcome.

Biochemical analysis shows low cholesterol in vegetarians. This is due to the fact that there are no animal fats in their food. Therefore, vegetarians should take care of the presence in the diet of foods rich in cholesterol.

The decoding of the analysis can show a deviation from the norm if the person used any medications (including contraceptives) before the analysis. Also, you can not expose the body to physical exertion before donating blood.

After the doctor receives a transcript of the biochemical analysis, if the results are unsatisfactory, he will prescribe treatment based on individual features organism. In addition to taking medication, the patient must follow a diet that will reduce or increase the level of natural fatty alcohol in the body (depending on the nature of the disease). If it is not adhered to, treatment with medications alone may be ineffective.

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