HDL is elevated. What does it mean if HDL is low?

Everyone knows that cholesterol is body fat, which are harmful to health and can cause the development of many diseases. But few people know that cholesterol compounds come in different densities and some of them are simply necessary for normal operation body. So, what is it, how is it diagnosed and what to do if HDL is low or high.

Low-density lipoprotein, or “good cholesterol,” is the main cholesterol. There is also the concept of LDL, that is, fat of animal origin, which settles on the walls of blood vessels and causes harm, forming fatty plaques, which can result in poor circulation. It is popularly called “bad cholesterol”. Although it is correct, with scientific point In general, alcoholic fat is called “cholesterol,” although people are accustomed to calling it “cholesterol.”

HDL performs a transport function in the body, transporting excess fats from tissues to the liver, where they are processed and converted into bile acid. That is, if we talk about a decrease in HDL levels, this indicates the possibility of developing atherosclerosis, since “bad” cholesterol is not washed out and does not belong to the liver.HDL is typically measured in millimoles per liter of blood.

To do this, you need a blood sample from a vein, which is donated early in the morning on an empty stomach. Before testing, in order to get the most accurate results, you must follow the following recommendations:

1. 10-12 hours before the diagnosis, refuse food and drinks (tea, coffee)
2. Stop drinking alcoholic beverages, even low-alcohol ones, at least 24 hours in advance
3. It is better not to smoke an hour before the blood test
4. three days before submitting biological material, avoid foods that are too fatty, spicy and salty, which can distort some indicators as a result

After blood is taken for biochemical analysis, the doctor who referred the patient for examination receives a conclusion on the basis of which one or another diagnosis can be diagnosed or refuted.

The normal level of HDL depends on the age and gender of the patient:

• children under 14 years of age, regardless of gender – 0.78-1.68 mmol/l
• girls under 20 years old – 0.78-1.81 mmol/l, boys – 0.78-1.68 mmol/l
• men aged 20 years and older – 0.78-1.81 mmol/l
• women under 30 years old – 0.78-1.94 mmol/l
• women under 40 years old – 0.78-2.07 mmol/l
• women under 50 years old – 03.78-2.2 mmol/l

According to the standards, it is clear that in men the indicators do not change from 20 years of age. But for women it’s a little different - the older she is, the more permissible norm lipoprotein high density is considered the optimal indicator.

If HDL, in accordance with the patient’s age and gender, is higher or lower than normal, this is considered a pathology and signals some problems in the body.If the analysis is carried out to identify abnormalities in the functioning of the heart, then when reading the results, the indicator is also taken into account total cholesterol.

HDL is low: causes and symptoms

If the level of HDL is below normal, this indicates that intracellular metabolism is disrupted in the body. The first serious concern with this diagnosis is ischemic disease, since low lipoproteins are the first symptom of this disease.

If you do not provide timely medical care With low HDL, heart failure can develop, which can ultimately lead to a heart attack or stroke. This is due to the fact that with impaired metabolism, the transport function is disrupted and cholesterol is not removed from the vessels in the required volume. And the excess forms cholesterol blockages that disrupt vascular patency. This disease is called atherosclerosis.

As a result, blood circulation deteriorates, and, accordingly, less oxygen reaches the organs than it should. Because of this, deficiency occurs, and this factor is the cause for the development of many diseases.

More information about atherosclerosis can be found in the video:

Just as a decrease in lipoproteins can cause diseases, so diseases can provoke a decrease in the level of “ good cholesterol" (grain intolerance) and allergic reaction on some foods - this is the first cause of disruption of intracellular metabolism. Due to such disorders, the body does not get enough useful substances necessary for proper and complete functioning.

How to normalize HDL levels

If low, HDL levels can be restored using the following tips:

1. sports loads – physical activity is one of the main ways to normalize fat levels by activating intracellular processes that arise as a result increased blood circulation, which occurs due to loads. Hard work is not needed - just gymnastics, light jogging or even walking
2. healthy eating. Vitamins, minerals and microelements will help normalize the level of HDL in the blood, which will improve and enhance metabolism. It's better to take them clean in kind. To do this, you need to add more fresh vegetables, berries and fruits to your diet. At the same time, it is recommended to give up fatty meat (pork) and smoked meats. It is also important to remember that a huge amount of “bad cholesterol” is found in chicken eggs and seafood, so they should be consumed in moderation. Excessive smoking and drinking alcohol also “slows down” intracellular processes and helps reduce lipoproteins;
3. Omega-3s and fiber are essential components that raise HDL and lower blood levels. Fiber is found in large quantities in cereals and beans. These components are also rich in antioxidants, which neutralize the effects of free radicals and improve general state body.

It is important to note that HDL levels need to be monitored. Its change may indicate serious malfunctions in the human body.

Also, such deviations indicate a violation of intracellular metabolism.

And besides cholesterol, with poor metabolism all indicators are disrupted, that is, changes chemical composition blood, which can lead to serious illness or seizures.

In conclusion, I would like to remind you that any methods of self-medication can be harmful to health. A person alone, without donating blood and special diagnostics, will not be able to determine the level of cholesterol in his blood. Therefore, if there is a deviation in the results, the doctor will definitely conduct consultations on nutrition and taking medications to normalize HDL levels.

A decrease in HDL-C concentration less than 0.9 mmol/l is associated with an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis. Epidemiological studies have shown inverse relationship between HDL-C concentrations and the prevalence of IHD. Determination of HDL-C helps to identify the risk of developing coronary artery disease. A decrease in HDL-C concentration for every 5 mg/dL, or 0.13 mmol/L, below the average leads to an increase in the risk of developing coronary artery disease by 25%.

An increased concentration of HDL-cholesterol is regarded as an antiatherogenic factor.

An HDL level is considered elevated if it is more than 80 mg/dL (>2.1 mmol/L).

Elevated HDL levels reduce cardiovascular risk; however, high HDL levels caused by some primary genetic abnormalities may not protect against cordially- vascular diseases due to associated lipid metabolism and metabolic disorders.

The primary causes are single or multiple genetic mutations that result in overproduction or decreased excretion of HDL. Secondary causes of high HDL levels are chronic alcoholism resulting in cirrhosis of the liver, primary biliary cirrhosis, hyperthyroidism and the use of certain medicines(eg, glucocorticoids, insulin, phenytoin). In case of unexpected clinical findings high levels HDL in patients not taking lipid-lowering drugs should be promptly evaluated for diagnostics secondary causes development of this condition, with mandatory measurement of AST, ALT and TSH; a negative assessment of the result indicates possible primary reasons dyslipidemia.

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CTTP) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder. hereditary pathology caused by a mutation in the CETP gene. CETP facilitates the transfer of cholesteryl esters from HDL to other lipoproteins, and thus CETP deficiency leads to decreased LDL cholesterol and delayed elimination of HDL. Clinically, patients show no symptoms or signs of disease but have HDL levels >150 mg/dL. No reduction in cardiovascular risk was observed. No treatment required.

Familial hyperalphapipoproteinemia is an autosomal dominant hereditary condition caused by various unknown and known genetic mutations, including those that lead to hyperproduction of apolipoprotein A-l and apolipoprotein C type III. The pathology is usually detected incidentally when plasma HDL levels are >80 mg/dL. The patients do not have any other clinical symptoms or signs. No treatment required.

Currently, serum HDL-C concentrations below 0.91 mmol/L are considered an indicator of high risk of CAD, while levels above 1.56 mmol/L play a protective role. To determine treatment tactics, simultaneous assessment of serum concentrations of total cholesterol and HDL-C is important. If the patient's HDL-C concentration is reduced (less than 0.91 mmol/l) and total cholesterol is normal, the most effective measures for the prevention of CHD are: physical exercise, smoking cessation and weight loss. When total cholesterol concentrations increase and HDL-C levels decrease (less than 0.91 mmol/l), medical intervention programs should be aimed at reducing total cholesterol levels with special diets or, if necessary, with drug therapy.

Having determined the content of HDL-C in the blood, it is possible to calculate cholesterol ratio atherogenicity (K xc): K xc = (Total cholesterol-HDL-cholesterol) / HDL-cholesterol. Khc actually reflects the ratio of the content of atherogenic to antiatherogenic drugs in the blood. This coefficient is no more than 1 in newborns, in healthy men 20-30 years old it reaches 2.5, in healthy women of the same age - 2.2. In men 40-60 years old without clinical manifestations atherosclerosis K hc is from 3 to 3.5. In people with coronary artery disease it is more than 4, often reaching 5-6. It is noteworthy that Khc is relatively low in long-livers: in people over 90 years of age it does not exceed 3. Khc more accurately reflects the favorable and unfavorable combination of drugs in terms of the risk of developing coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis.

When analyzing the results of the study, it should be taken into account that an increase or decrease in HDL-C levels is possible in a number of diseases or conditions.

Diseases and conditions in which the concentration of HDL-C in the blood may change

However, using only HDL-C levels to assess the risk of atherosclerosis may provide potentially incorrect diagnostic information, so its values ​​should be assessed in comparison with the concentration of total cholesterol and LDL-C.

Not so long ago, it was widely believed that cholesterol is extremely harmful substance, which leads to the development of many serious illnesses. However, scientific and medical research prove the opposite. Cholesterol is found normally in the human body and is a necessary component of a number of vital compounds. It circulates in the blood healthy person in a certain amount, but when the concentration increases, it can cause circulatory disorders, leading to the development of atherosclerosis. Therefore, it is common to distinguish between bad and good cholesterol. To measure their levels in the blood, there are special hematological tests that allow you to assess the risk of developing diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Cholesterol is found in almost all tissues human body. It is an essential component of cell membranes, ensuring their normal function. The substance is an alcohol that is highly soluble in fats. This is why it is often called a lipid compound. Most of the cholesterol is synthesized by the body in the liver, and only 20% comes with food through the digestive tract. As you know, fats are poorly soluble in water, and therefore, in order to move cholesterol through blood-filled vessels, it is necessary to create a special membrane around it. This function is performed by a special protein complex formed to transport a fat-like substance throughout the body. Lipoproteins, joining cholesterol, allow it to dissolve in the blood and participate in metabolism.

Among these protein complexes, depending on their structure, several types are distinguished:

1. High density lipoproteins. HDL cholesterol is also called alpha cholesterol. Contains a large amount of protein and the lowest concentration of fat-like compounds. These substances have antiatherogenic properties, that is, they reduce the risk of developing vascular diseases. Healthy cholesterol with the help of such complexes it is transported to the liver, where it is processed. High-density lipoproteins in the blood are a good indicator.
2. Low-density lipoproteins are formed from more fat and less protein. This allows them to be deposited in the lumen of the arteries. Unlike high-density cholesterol, an increased concentration of this substance in the blood indicates an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis and other dangerous diseases. This cholesterol is deposited on the walls of blood vessels in the form of plaques.
3. Very low density lipoproteins are the most atherogenic type of compounds. Also takes part in the transport of cholesterol throughout the body. Transports endogenous fat-like substances, that is, lipids formed in the liver.

Based on this, HDL cholesterol is a beneficial component. Its content in the blood indicates the transport of lipids to the liver for further hydrolysis, which indicates normal metabolism. Hematological tests are necessary to determine the levels of lipoprotein fractions.

Test for HDL and LDL cholesterol

There are rules that must be followed to obtain correct results. biochemical analysis blood:

1. Fasting diet for 8–12 hours. The study should be carried out exclusively on an empty stomach, otherwise the results may be distorted due to activation digestive systems And metabolic processes.
2. Restriction of fatty foods in the diet 2-3 days before the test. This will allow you to assess the internal balance of fat-like compounds, as well as determine liver functions related to the synthesis and utilization of lipids.
3. The test must be taken in the morning, since stress during the day can provoke changes in metabolic processes and an increase in the level of cholesterol and other fat-like substances.

The interpretation of the tests should be carried out by a doctor, taking into account individual characteristics patient. The atherogenicity index or coefficient is calculated by the ratio of the difference between total cholesterol and HDL to a separate indicator of high-density lipoproteins.

Reduced cholesterol levels

Reasons low content There can be several total cholesterol in the blood:

1. Allergic reactions to various food components.
2. Decreased function thyroid gland, or hypothyroidism.
3. Liver diseases leading to persistent disruption of its normal functioning.

Low cholesterol levels are an indicator of changes in physiological metabolism. This can occur during pregnancy, obesity, unbalanced diets and severe dietary restrictions, as well as in heavy smokers. Similar conditions are dangerous for the body, as they indicate an increased risk of developing various cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, ischemia or myocardial infarction.

High level

An increase in cholesterol concentration, or cholesterolemia, is much more common than a decrease. This happens for the following reasons:

1. Hereditary predisposition.
2. Eating fatty foods. A large number of Pork, butter, and baked goods contain lipids.
3. Hormone therapy and oral contraceptives.
4. Alcohol consumption.
5. Functional impairment digestive tract, for example, malfunctions of the gallbladder.

Increased levels of total cholesterol and LDL fraction in the blood lead to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The deposition of cholesterol in the form of plaques in the lumen of the arteries causes the formation of atherosclerosis. A one-time increase in the indicator is not a serious cause for concern, but chronic cholesterolemia requires treatment.

An increase in HDL content indicates increased removal of bad cholesterol.

Norm

Cholesterol concentration is considered normal when the level in the blood is less than 5.2 mmol/l, optimal - in the range from 5.2 to 6.2 mmol/l. The cholesterol level becomes high at values ​​greater than 6.2 mmol/l.

The normal HDL content is shown in the table:

The concentration of the compound in women during pregnancy, as well as after menopause, becomes higher, which is physiological process and should not be considered a sign of pathology.

Traditional methods of normalizing the indicator

To lower cholesterol and LDL levels, as well as to increase HDL concentrations, there are folk recipes. Thistle infusion is useful, as it normalizes liver function by removing toxins. Carrots and celery contain essential vitamins and microelements that improve metabolism and support vascular health.

To prevent the occurrence of pathologies, moderate physical exercise, which will help control body weight, quit smoking and alcohol, and reduce the effects of stress.