Norm of low density lipids. Lipid analysis - lipid profile


Cholesterol enters the blood plasma in the form of insoluble organic compounds, which, for successful transportation to organ tissues and further assimilation, must be combined with special proteins - lipoproteins. Under normal fat metabolism in the body, the concentration and structure of fats and lipoproteins is at a level that prevents cholesterol from settling on the walls of blood vessels.

But some diseases and conditions of the body can significantly affect lipid metabolism thus creating the risk of developing cordially- vascular diseases(CVD), in particular atherosclerosis, as well as its severe consequences: myocardial infarction, stroke, angina pectoris, ischemic disease heart, etc. For the timely detection of such pathologies and the risk assessment of CVD, a blood test for a lipid profile is performed.

What it is

A lipid profile is a biochemical blood test that objectively reflects the concentration of fats and lipoproteins in the serum under study.

The main purpose of such biochemistry is to assess the state of fat metabolism in the patient's body, to identify the risk of developing CVD (atherosclerosis, heart attack, etc.), cerebrovascular disease (stroke), and also to determine the risk of heart ischemia.

The composition of indicators that determine the lipid profile includes the following:

  • total cholesterol - the main fats in the blood that come there from food intake or are synthesized by liver cells and some other organs. Quantity total cholesterol is one of the most informative indicators of the lipid profile and most significantly affects the risk of developing atherosclerosis;
  • lipoproteins high density- these are the only anti-atherogenic fractions of lipids, i.e. one of the tasks of these compounds is to prevent the deposition of cholesterol on the vascular endothelium. Based on this, HDL is called “useful” lipids that bind cholesterol and deliver it to the liver, from where it is safely excreted from the body after utilization processes;
  • very low density lipoproteins are atherogenic fractions that can precipitate and form atherosclerotic plaques. However, the proportion of these compounds among all blood lipids is low;
  • low density lipoproteins are also atherogenic fractions of the transport form, which are capable of disintegration, as a result of which cholesterol precipitates on the vascular walls. In other words, LDL is “bad” cholesterol, with an increase in which increases the risk of developing CVD;
  • triglycerides are neutral lipids that are the main source of energy in the body, so it is important to keep them on normal level.

All lipid fractions are interconnected and with an increase in the concentration of some, the concentration of others decreases or proportionally increases. So, some diseases are characterized by a significant increase in the level of LDL and VLDL. This factor is reflected in the level of total cholesterol, which in turn rises and cholesterol begins to settle on the walls of blood vessels in the form of atherosclerotic plaques. At the same time, the concentration of HDL decreases significantly - lipid fractions that are responsible for the conversion of cholesterol into bile.

The canonical structure of the lipid profile also implies, which, based on the ratio of all indicators of the lipid profile, shows a real predisposition to the development of atherosclerosis, linking together the described pattern. To determine it, the value of HDL is subtracted from the indicator of total cholesterol and the result is divided by HDL.

When myocardial infarction is detected in blood biochemistry, the lipid profile can also be determined by C-reactive protein - a compound that indicates an inflammatory process in the body.

In some cases, an extended blood test for a lipid profile is performed. In this case, control is also carried out in relation to additional parameters:

  • lipoprotein (a);
  • apolipoprotein A1;
  • apolipoprotein B.

Lipoprotein (a) is a subclass of blood lipoproteins, consists of a protein and a fatty part, therefore, like others, it performs a transport function. In terms of lipid composition, it is as close as possible to LDL, therefore, with an increase in this indicator, the risk of developing atherosclerosis and ischemia increases significantly.

Apolipoprotein A1 is a protein that is the main component of HDL - "good" cholesterol. At its normal level, optimal conditions are created to prevent cholesterol from settling on vascular walls.

Apolipoprotein B is the main protein of LDL and VLDL, which is involved in the metabolism of cholesterol and reflects the real risks of atherosclerosis. Apolipoprotein B called the best marker for determining the possibility of atherosclerotic lesions coronary vessels feeding the heart.

Indications for the purpose of the analysis

Biochemical analysis blood tests for lipid profile determination are recommended for patients under 35 years old every 5 years; for older people, such control should be included in the annual list of mandatory studies.

Lipid profile measurement is carried out in following purposes:

  1. To identify the risk of developing CVD.
  2. To determine the hereditary risk of coronary heart disease.
  3. To monitor the dynamics of the condition of patients with pathologies of lipid metabolism.
  4. To control the ongoing therapy of lipid metabolism disorders.

Indications for the analysis of lipid profile indicators are diseases of the heart and blood vessels:

  • atherosclerotic vascular lesions;
  • angina;
  • ischemia;
  • heart attack;
  • hypertension.

It is mandatory to measure these values ​​in the following diseases of the liver and pancreas:

Indications for a study on the lipid profile are kidney diseases:

Patients with blood diseases should also be examined:

  • sepsis;
  • myeloma;
  • anemia.

Such a study may have other indications:

If these pathologies are identified or suspected, a lipid profile analysis should be completed as soon as possible, observing all the requirements for preparing for this diagnostic procedure.

Preparation for analysis

Considering that most dietary lipids are fully absorbed 12 hours after a meal, at least 12, but not more than 14 hours should pass after the last snack - only when donating blood during this period, the probability of obtaining a reliable result is maximum. The analysis for the lipid profile itself is taken in the morning on an empty stomach, you can only drink non-carbonated water.

Pass if possible laboratory diagnostics before the start of the drug course or at least 2 weeks after its completion. If it is impossible to completely refuse medications for this period, the doctor referring the examination must mark in the direction all the medications that the patient is taking. This is especially true for the following drugs: Mildronate, Aspirin, Niacin, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin and any corticosteroids. Combined intake of vitamins E and C can also affect the level of lipids in the blood.

Preparation for the analysis also implies a refusal for 1-2 days from fatty foods and alcohol, you can not smoke for 12 hours. Dinner on the eve of blood donation should be light - vegetable soup or salad, porridge with skim milk, etc.

Lower or, conversely, increase some indicators of the lipid profile can physical exercise and psycho-emotional stress. Therefore, it is worth limiting yourself as much as possible from these factors at least a day before the diagnosis.

You can not donate blood for analysis on the day of the procedure following procedures and diagnostic measures:

  • fluorography;
  • radiography;
  • rectal examination;
  • physiotherapy procedures (radon baths, laser therapy, UV blood and others).

Contraindications and side effects in relation to this diagnostic procedure is not.

Deciphering the analysis of lipid profile indicators

According to international standards on the SCORE scale normal performance lipid profile and their deviations from the norm are within the following limits:

Norm Borderline (moderate risk of atherosclerotic vascular changes) High level(increased risk of atherosclerotic vascular changes)
Total cholesterol (mmol/l) 3,10-5,16 5,16-6,17 Over 6.19
HDL (mmol/l) 1,0-2,07 0,78-1,0 Less than 0.78
LDL(mmol/l) 1,71-3,40 3,37-4,12 Over 4.15
VLDL (mmol/l) 0,26-1,04 Over 1.04
Triglycerides (mmol/l) 0,45-1,60 1,70-2,20 Over 2.30
Atherogenic coefficient 1,5-3 3-4 More than 5

It should be borne in mind that the norms of these parameters may vary slightly depending on the patient's gender, weight, the presence of certain diseases, as well as genetic or diagnostically identified predisposition.

The interpretation of the data obtained from the analysis of the lipid profile should be carried out by the observing physician, who will correlate the results with individual features patient: the presence of certain diseases (for example, myocardial infarction), medication, etc. So, some medical preparations are able to artificially lower the level of certain lipoproteins in the blood, so such points must be taken into account when deciphering the analysis data.

Consider what the deviation of the described indicators from the norm means and what diseases this may indicate.

total cholesterol

Its excess normal values indicates the existing pathologies of fat metabolism. In such a patient, the risk of atherosclerosis and its consequences is significantly increased. In this case, hypercholesterolemia is diagnosed and serious monitoring and adjustment of blood fats is required. With an increase in total cholesterol, a systemic diagnosis of dysbetalipoproteinemia can be made, but to confirm it, additional research.

An increase in total cholesterol can also be observed in the following diseases:

  • atherosclerosis;
  • myocardial infarction;
  • ischemia;
  • diabetes mellitus types 1 and 2;
  • obesity;
  • gout;
  • Gierke's disease;
  • extrahepatic jaundice and all its varieties;
  • primary cirrhosis of the liver;
  • chronic liver failure;
  • nephrotic syndrome;
  • glomerulonephritis;
  • chronic pancreatitis;
  • malignant neoplasms in the pancreas;
  • somatotropic hormone deficiency;
  • lack or excessive production of thyroid hormones;
  • chronic alcohol intoxication.

Taking certain medications can also lead to an increase in the level of total cholesterol: corticosteroids, hormonal contraceptives, aspirin-containing drugs, beta-blockers and many others. A healthy pregnant woman can also get a similar result of the analysis. Total cholesterol can also be elevated in people who follow a protein-free diet.

Reduced level cholesterol can be observed in the following conditions:

  • obstructive changes in the lungs;
  • pulmonary tuberculosis;
  • chronic heart disease;
  • Tangier disease;
  • sepsis;
  • hepatocarcinoma;
  • pathology of absorption in the gastrointestinal tract;
  • prolonged fasting;
  • burns of a large area of ​​the body;
  • cirrhosis of the liver (its terminal stage).

The use of such medications as estrogens, statins, thyroxine, interferon, clomiphene, neomycin and some others can lead to a decrease in this indicator.

HDL

Previously, it was believed that the higher the level of this indicator, the better. After all, HDL is directly involved in the processing and excretion of “bad” cholesterol from the body. However, today it has been revealed that too high a concentration of high density lipoproteins in the blood can also be a marker of some pathological diseases:

  • primary familial hypercholesterolemia;
  • nephrotic syndrome;
  • chronic renal failure;
  • obstructive jaundice;
  • obesity, diet rich in cholesterol-containing food;
  • Cushing's syndrome;
  • anorexia;
  • diabetes.

If the result of the lipid profile analysis showed that HDL is below normal, the risk of CVD increases, primarily atherosclerosis, since the ability of high-density lipoproteins to block and remove "bad" cholesterol is sharply reduced. There is a risk of developing the following diseases(or the patient already has them):

  • atherosclerotic vascular lesions;
  • ischemia;
  • chronic liver disease;
  • diabetes mellitus of both types;
  • nephrotic syndrome;
  • obesity.

It is worth remembering that some medications can also affect this indicator.

LDL

This fraction of lipoproteins determines the risk of atherosclerosis even more than total cholesterol in the blood. In addition, a high level of this indicator indicates the likelihood of heart disease. Increasing LDL may refer to:

  • atherosclerosis;
  • ischemia;
  • angina;
  • hypertension;
  • heart attack;
  • diseases of the liver and kidneys;
  • obesity;
  • anorexia.

If these lipoproteins are in the blood in a very small amount (below the norm), there is a possibility of metabolic disorders, blood diseases, and the thyroid gland.

VLDL

Regarding this indicator and its permissible values, there are still disputes in medical circles, but one thing is clear - it elevated level leads to CVD. VLDL can be higher than normal in the following pathologies:

  • inhibition of the functions of the thyroid gland and pituitary gland;
  • diabetes mellitus types 1 and 2;
  • systemic lupus erythematosus;
  • pancreatic or prostate cancer;
  • pancreatitis;
  • obesity;
  • kidney disease.

A decrease in its level may indicate the presence in the body of diseases of the lungs, blood, endocrine glands, liver, joints.

Triglycerides

This is one of the most important indicators that predetermine the risk of CVD. Therefore, first of all, with an increase in their concentration in the patient's blood, it is worthwhile to additionally examine for the presence of the following diseases:

  • atherosclerosis;
  • myocardial infarction;
  • cardiac ischemia;
  • hypertension;
  • severe illness kidneys;
  • pancreatitis;
  • viral hepatitis;
  • diabetes;
  • cerebral thrombosis.

Can talk about:

  • cerebral infarction;
  • chronic diseases lungs;
  • endocrine disorders;
  • myasthenia gravis;
  • kidney diseases.

Atherogenic coefficient

This indicator reflects the overall ratio of "bad" and "good" cholesterol in the blood, therefore, if it is slightly higher than the norm (3-4), the patient is warned about the high probability of developing vascular and heart diseases. However, this risk can be minimized by timely changes in lifestyle and, in particular, nutrition.

With a value of this coefficient in the range of 4-5, the risk of developing CVD is very high, and if it is higher than 5, then the patient is likely to already have atherosclerotic vascular changes.

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The role of lipids in the development of atherosclerosis

Violation of the metabolism of fats (lipids) is the main factor in the development of atherosclerosis and related complications (ischemic heart disease, cerebral stroke, vascular obliteration lower extremities etc.). At the same time, the most important factor in the increased risk of atherosclerosis is an increase in the content of free cholesterol, triglycerides and other types of atherogenic lipoproteins in the blood. In this article, we will talk about the main classes of blood lipids and how lipid metabolism disorders (dyslipidemia) lead to the formation of atherosclerosis.

What are lipids and why are they needed in the body?(fats) is one of the essential components of our body. In wildlife perform many important functions. In particular, in the human body, fats are:

The chemical structure of lipids is quite diverse. Most fats are made up of a polyhydric alcohol molecule and several chains. fatty acids attached to it (ordinary fats). Other fats, such as cholesterol, are complex organic molecules based on a cyclic carbon skeleton.

blood lipoproteins. What are blood lipids? Fats, as you know, are not soluble in water, and the blood is more than 90% water, so for transportation with the bloodstream, fats are packed into special complexes called lipoproteins. In addition to fats, lipoproteins also contain proteins (hence the name of lipoproteins: lipo-"fat", proteo-"protein"). Proteins (apoproteins) stabilize fat complexes and allow them to dissolve in the blood plasma. Based on the molecular weight, chemical composition and density, we distinguish several classes of lipoproteins:

Rice. 1: Structure of lipoproteins:


Chylomicrons - this is the main form of transport of fats coming from food digested in the intestines. Chylomicrons contain 90-95% triglycerides, common fats that are used by various tissues for energy. Remaining chylomicrons are taken up by the liver and processed.

Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) are fat complexes that consist of fats synthesized in the liver. In addition to ordinary fats, LDL also contains cholesterol (up to 20%). This class of lipoproteins is also designed to supply fat to tissues throughout the body. As conventional fats (triglycerides) are depleted, VLDL are converted into low-density lipoproteins.

Low density lipoproteins (LDL) contain maximum amount cholesterol (up to 50%). This type of lipoprotein (along with free cholesterol) poses the greatest danger for the development of atherosclerosis. It is known that this class of blood fats can be oxidized and then deposited in the walls of the arteries, which, as we have already said in our other articles on the topic of atherosclerosis, is the primary mechanism for the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. Thus, an increase in the concentration of LDL in the blood is an increased risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis.

High density lipoproteins (HDL) contain only a small amount of cholesterol and significant amounts of cholesterol-binding proteins. The main role of HDL is to transport cholesterol from the tissues back to the liver, where it is converted into bile and excreted from the body. LVP is important factor protection of the body from atherosclerosis and therefore a decrease in the concentration of this fraction of fats in the blood, as well as an increase in the concentration of LDL, is considered as a phenomenon contributing to the development of atherosclerosis. A decrease in the concentration of HDL in the blood is typical for men, people with diabetes and obesity, and smokers.

complicated organic compound lipid nature. In the blood, cholesterol can exist in two states: free and bound. Related cholesterol is part of various lipoproteins described above. In medicine, it is defined general content cholesterol in the blood.

Normal levels of various lipids in human blood Determination of the level (concentration) of blood lipids is important point in determining the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. The following table shows the normal concentrations of various blood lipids:

Fraction of blood lipids

Concentration

mmol/l

mg/dl

Chylomicrons (on an empty stomach)

Virtually absent

Triglycerides

total cholesterol

Lipid profile is a specialized blood test that reflects the levels of concentration of lipoproteins and fats. Lipoproteins are compounds that carry fats in the blood. The structure and concentration of lipoproteins and fats in the blood serum shows a person's predisposition to the development of vascular diseases and atherosclerosis.


The level of low and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL, LDL) in some diseases increases significantly, which leads to the development of atherosclerosis and related diseases. At the same time, the level of total cholesterol also increases, which, accumulating on the walls of blood vessels, forms atherosclerotic plaques and prevents normal blood flow. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are responsible for the conversion of cholesterol into bile, which occurs in gallbladder. When cholesterol levels rise, the concentration of HDL automatically decreases in proportion to it, which significantly reduces the production of bile. Lipid analysis is performed for all vascular and heart diseases, as well as for diseases of the gallbladder and liver.

Indications for analysis

Indications for lipid analysis are:

  • coronary heart disease (CHD): myocardial infarction, angina pectoris;
  • extrahepatic jaundice;
  • atherosclerosis;
  • chronic renal failure;
  • cirrhosis of the liver;
  • pancreas cancer;
  • glomerulonephritis with nephrotic syndrome;
  • diabetes mellitus of two types;
  • chronic course of pancreatitis;
  • hypothyroidism (decreased thyroid hormones);
  • obesity, especially of alimentary origin, which depends on food intake;
  • alcoholism;
  • hyperthyroidism (increased thyroid hormones);
  • anorexia nervosa;
  • gout;
  • burn disease;
  • reception hormonal drugs, including contraceptives, for a long time;
  • megaloblastic anemia;
  • myeloma;
  • sepsis.

Lipid profile indicators and their norms

Deviations of the lipid profile from their norm in the blood serum indicates the possibility of a person developing vascular diseases and atherosclerosis.

The following indicators are being studied:

  • Total cholesterol (cholesterol) - the main blood lipids synthesized by liver cells and ingested with food. The amount of total cholesterol is one of the most important indicators of fat (lipid) metabolism, indirectly reflecting the risk of atherosclerosis. The rate of cholesterol is 3.2-5.6 mmol / l.
  • LDL (Low Density Lipoproteins) is one of the most “harmful” lipid fractions. Since LDL is extremely rich in cholesterol, when it is transported to vascular cells, they linger in them and form atherosclerotic plaques. LDL levels are normally 1.71-3.5 mmol / l.
  • HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is the only fraction of lipids that prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the vessels, in connection with which HDL is also called "good" cholesterol. The ability of HDL to transport cholesterol to the liver, where it is utilized and then excreted from the body, determines its antiatherogenic effect. HDL values ​​are normal > 0.9 mmol/l.
  • Triglycerides are neutral fats contained in the blood plasma. The norm of triglycerides is 0.41-1.8 mmol / l.
  • The atherogenic index (atherogenicity coefficient) is an indicator that characterizes the ratio of atherogenic (those that settle on the walls of blood vessels) and anti-atherogenic fractions of lipids. The values ​​of the coefficient of atherogenicity in the norm is< 3,5.
  • C-reactive protein (CRP), when its levels exceed the norm, indicates the presence in atherosclerotic plaques inflammatory processes, which can lead to their destruction, and, accordingly, to instability, which is the direct cause of diseases such asmyocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. pov An elevated level of CRH is an additional risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. The indicators of the CRH are normally< 0,5 мг/литр.

Preparation for analysis

Blood sampling for analysis is carried out on an empty stomach in the morning, namely, not less than 12 hours later, and not more than 14 hours after last appointment food. When preparing, you should exclude the use of coffee, tea, juices, you can only drink water. It is also necessary to exclude alcohol intake a day before blood sampling, and smoking 2 hours before. Also, before passing the analysis, it is necessary to exclude increased physical and psycho-emotional stress. There are no contraindications to lipid analysis and its side effects.


There are some indications for taking a blood test to determine the value of hematocrit hct. Decoding depends on age and gender.


Blood test for Transferrin. Indications for a blood test, preparation. The norm of transferrin in the blood, the reasons for the change in level.


Blood test for hepatitis C. When it is necessary to take blood tests for hepatitis C. What can be detected by ELISA, RIBA and PCR blood tests, interpretation of their results, when it is possible to obtain. false negative and false positive results.

Lipidogram is a blood test for cholesterol and lipoprotein levels. The analysis allows to detect violations in fat metabolism, which plays a role in the diagnosis of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The study of the lipid spectrum of blood determines the content of lipids, as well as the ratio of fractions of lipoproteins.

  • With an increase in cholesterol.
  • For examination of patients with diseases of the heart and blood vessels, hypertension.
  • For the diagnosis of endocrine pathologies.
  • To examine patients who may develop hypertension, stroke, diabetes mellitus, etc. (the presence of diseases in the family is considered, age and lifestyle are taken into account: smoking, etc.).
  • When prescribing anticholesterol drugs.
  • To monitor the effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapy and diet.

Cholesterol and lipoproteins

Cholesterol is needed by a person, and its lack creates a danger to the life of the body. Cholesterol is involved in the formation of cell membranes, in the synthesis of bile acids. It plays an important role in the formation of steroid hormones. Cholesterol enters the body not only with food, 80 percent of it is synthesized by the liver. In the blood, cholesterol is found together with proteins in the composition of lipoproteins.

Lipoproteins are divided into several fractions:

  • High-density lipoproteins (HDL): eliminate free cholesterol, help transport it to the liver, where it undergoes catabolism. A high concentration of HDL indicates that the vessels are protected from the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
  • Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which narrow the lumen of blood vessels.
  • Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) are taken up and become low density lipoproteins.
  • Triglycerides are a compound of esters of glycerol and fatty acids. They mainly accumulate in adipose tissue. They are present in small amounts in the blood. Excess indicates the presence of pathology in the body.

Lipidogram examines the entire spectrum of fractions. When deciphering the indicators, the doctor takes into account gender, age, heart and vascular diseases, endocrine pathologies.

The optimal indicators for the risk of cardiovascular complications differ: in healthy person they are alone, in patients, for example, after a heart attack, the indicators are much tougher.

The lipid spectrum corresponds to the following standards:

  1. Total cholesterol - no more than 5.5 mmol / l in healthy people; as the risk increases, the indicator decreases to 5.0 with moderate; up to 4.5 - with an average and up to 4.0 - with a very high risk.
  2. HDL - more than 1.2 mmol / l in women and 1.0 mmol / l in men.
  3. LDL - less than 3.5 mmol / l; at medium risk, the upper limit is 3.0, at moderate risk - 2.5, at very high risk - 1.8.
  4. Triglycerides - less than 1.7 mmol / l.

In addition, the lipidogram takes into account, which should normally be less than three units.

Deciphering the results

According to the developed international standards on the SCORE scale, total cholesterol is considered borderline elevated if its level corresponds to 5.18–6.18 mmol/l. The indicator - 6.22 is considered high.

  • less than 1.0 mmol/l for men and less than 1.3 mmol/l for women (increased risk);
  • 1.0–1.3 mmol/l for men and 1.3–1.5 mmol/l for women (medium risk).

Total cholesterol is normally 60% low-density lipoprotein. A high level of LDL - above 3.37 - can predetermine the risk of developing atherosclerosis and diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Even if the total cholesterol content is normal, high rate LDL can be a symptom of various diseases.

In accordance with international standards, low-density lipoprotein indicators above the norm are as follows:

  • above normal - 2.59–3.34 mmol / l;
  • borderline - 3.37–4.12 mmol / l;
  • high - 4.15–4.90 mmol / l;
  • very high - more than 4.90 mmol / l.

A high level of triglycerides indicates the presence of a disease of the cardiovascular or endocrine systems. Dangerous content of triglycerides according to the international scale:

  • borderline high - 1.7–2.2 mmol / l;
  • high - 2.3–5.6 mmol / l;
  • very high - more than 5.6 mmol / l.

Deciphering the level of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) is controversial among the luminaries of medicine. VLDL is classified as a lipid that damages blood vessels. But how unsafe their level on the SCORE scale is not taken into account.

Study preparation

Indicators may change under the influence various reasons. Border levels can be healthy women who are taking contraceptives. Changes lipid spectrum due to medication, under the influence of other factors.

Therefore, doctors advise to prepare for the study:

  • The day before, it is required to exclude foods containing a lot of fat. Dinner should be light and low-calorie, if health permits, refrain from eating in the evening.
  • The test results can be affected by a person's condition. The body will definitely respond to stress, experiences by mobilizing resources, so the day before the test, you should remain calm.
  • Under the ban on physical education.
  • Do not smoke immediately before the test. Cigarettes raise blood cholesterol levels.
  • If you are taking medication, you must notify your doctor. Contraceptives, corticosteroids, Phenobarbital, Aspirin, Phenytoin, Niacin and other drugs contribute to changes in lipid levels.

Should know

After a myocardial infarction, the lipid spectrum of the blood is examined only after three months.

Studies are not carried out after ultrasound scanning, radiography, physiotherapy procedures.

Atherosclerosis and diseases of cardio-vascular system are very dangerous conditions for humans. You can assess the risk of their occurrence using a blood test for a lipid profile or a lipid profile. What is a lipid profile in a blood test is the subject of today's article. This research is very important information about the health of the subject. It is recommended to donate blood this analysis at least once every 5 years. In fact, this frequency is indicated for a healthy person. People with a hereditary predisposition or risk factors for diseases of the heart and blood vessels should be tested more often.

It is very important to monitor the level of triglycerides and other indicators for overweight people, for this it is enough to donate blood for a lipid profile.

Atherogenic coefficient

This is a calculated indicator that equals:

CA \u003d (LDL + VLDL) / HDL

The numerators indicate representatives of "bad" cholesterol, and the denominators - "good". Accordingly, the more this coefficient exceeds the norm, the worse the state of the cardiovascular system.

Preparation for analysis

Just like other blood tests, this test involves some preparation:

  • No food intake 12 hours before analysis;
  • Absence exercise and emotional stress half an hour before analysis;
  • Abstinence from smoking for half an hour before the analysis;
  • Reception on the eve of the same food that you are used to, but without especially fatty foods.

Blood is taken from a vein; when preparing for a lipid profile, it should also be taken into account that taking some medicines, pregnancy, prolonged diet or existing medical conditions may affect the result. Therefore, it is important to report all these factors to the doctor when deciphering the analysis.

The norm of indicators in adults

Of course, in order to evaluate the obtained blood counts, it is necessary to know the norm for each of them. It is best to clarify these data in the laboratory in which you donated blood, because they may have minor errors due to the equipment. Optimal values also depend on the sex and age of the patient. On average, the norm for each indicator of the lipid profile is as follows:

  • KA: 2.1-3.6;
  • Triglycerides:<2,25 ммоль/л;
  • Total cholesterol:<5,3 ммоль/л;
  • HDL: 1.02-1.56 mmol/l;
  • LDL:<3,2 ммоль/л;
  • VLDL:<1,62 ммоль/л.

If you still have any questions about what kind of analysis this is - a lipid profile, ask them in the comments below. You can find more detailed information on each of the indicators in a separate article.