The norm of low density lipoproteins in the blood. Increased LDL cholesterol in the body and what it means. Patient examination plan

Cholesterol is responsible for the “borders” of the cell, as it determines the permeability of cell membranes and is a kind of “guardian” for external molecules.
- Cholesterol is involved in the production of hormones: estrogens, androgens, cortisol, corticosterone, etc.
- Cholesterol is involved in the production of bile.
- Cholesterol is important for the metabolism of certain vitamins, such as A, E, K.
- Cholesterol converts sunlight into vitamin D.

Sometimes these drugs are side effects such as muscle pain and indigestion. Yours will certainly recommend the best therapy for lowering cholesterol levels. Now is a crucible modern society and is often associated with cardiovascular risk factors.

It's actually not quite as they would like us to believe, let's say that cholesterol can be a worrying component if it's related to other factors like hypertension and smoking for example. Anyway healthy life can help us protect ourselves from complications affecting our heart.

Types of cholesterol

Cholesterol in the blood is not found on its own, but in combination with proteins that transport it. These complex compounds are called lipoproteins. There are several types of lipoproteins, the most important are two: low molecular weight lipoproteins (LDL) and high molecular weight (HDL).

Low density lipoproteins (LDL)
Lipoproteins high density(HDL)

"Bad" cholesterol, or low-density lipoproteins (LDL)

What does "bad" cholesterol mean? This is the name of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) - molecules that are prone to oxidation can penetrate the arteries and form plaques on them that clog the passage. This is the mechanism for the formation of atherosclerosis, which entails the risks of developing cardiovascular diseases. In the total structure of LDL cholesterol, it occupies about 70%.

When will we start to disturb us? How can we prevent hypercholesterolemia? It is partly produced by the liver, partly introduced in the diet: it is found in foods rich in animal fat such as meat, butter, salami, cheese, egg yolk, liver. This ratio is defined as a "cardiovascular risk index": this value should be less than 5 in men and 5 in women.

How to control blood cholesterol levels, the differences between high and low, and between good and bad. The fats we ingest through our diet serve to be used as energy and are distributed in various parts body into fat cells.

"Good" cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein (HDL)

This is the other part of cholesterol - the so-called "good" cholesterol. If the “bad” cholesterol carries cholesterol from the liver to the arteries, then the “good” one carries cholesterol from the arteries to the liver, from where it is then excreted. It is believed that the more it is, the better. When HDL is low, this means that particles of fat enter the bloodstream, which leads to vascular disease. And vice versa.

The liver converts fat into lipids in species: cholesterol and triglycerides. The latter, in turn, includes in the lipoprotein a molecular compound intended for sorting and transporting lipids. Lipoproteins collect fats, and with the help of blood vessels, they lead to fat cells.

Cholesterol so precipitated causes constriction of blood vessels and thickening of blood transport channels, can lead to stroke and stroke. healthy eating also plays important role in the type of food we use. Indeed, cholesterol is produced by the liver, it is concluded that herbal products cannot contain traces and is preferable to animals if we want to control our body's lipid values.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are, along with cholesterol, another source of fat that is present in plasma (and food products). Its function is to be a source of cell energy (if it is quite simple). As for its negative role, it is not entirely clear. If a high level cholesterol contributes to arterial clogging, high triglyceride levels correlate with low levels of good cholesterol and should therefore be viewed with caution. It is best to keep triglycerides at 150 mg/dl, no more. Triglycerides are controlled in the same ways as cholesterol.

With a simple extract, you can calculate the lipid plasma value and know the control values, which are divided by. A diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin C is low, but the consumption of alcohol, wine, beer, physical activity is very important at all times and at any age. A diet rich in saturated fats, fats predominantly of animal origin, with the exception of palmitic acid, margarine and synthetic acid, i.e. derived from chemical processes, such as hydrogenation, which are very dangerous because they are made of molecules outside the body, smoke, without having to dwell on a problem that hurts not only for the blood flow, but for the whole body as a whole, poor or non-existent physical activity. Those mentioned above favor many coronary pathologies.

Cholesterol level is normal

Cholesterol is measured using biochemical analysis fasting blood in medical laboratory or a home cholesterol meter.

Cholesterol levels are calculated in two units.

mg/dl (milligram per deciliter)

Desired level: 200 mg/dL
Corridor: 200-239 mg/dL
High level: 240 mg/dl and above

mmol/l (millimole per liter)

Xanthomas are small accumulations of fat that form in the skin and tendons, but the most dangerous is their concentration in the arterial vascular system which is becoming a threat to our health. Cholesterol is hard organic compound sterol group, which is the parent compound, complex lipids containing a functional alcohol group, and is present in the tissues of all vertebrates, free or as foreign, or associated with a long chain fatty acids. In particular, cholesterol is found in egg yolk, body fat, and nerve matter.

Desired level:< 5 ммоль/л
Corridor: between 5 and 6.4 mmol/l
High cholesterol: 6.5-7.8 mmol/l
Dangerously high cholesterol: above 7.8 mmol/l

Low level: less than 40 mmol/l
Acceptable level: 41-59 mmol/l
High level: 60 and above (protects against heart disease)

triglycerides

Cholesterol is one of the main components of the cell membrane and, together with phospholipids containing phosphorus groups and glycolipids, that is, lipids associated with sugars, characterizes permeability, mobility and stability. Cholesterol is also stored in the adrenal glands, in the testes and ovaries, to be subsequently converted into various steroid hormones, i.e. sex hormones and corticosteroids. Cholesterol is largely converted to colic acid, which is formed with other steroid acids, bile acids, intestinal secretions, and beneficial fat digestion.

Target level: less than 200 mg/dL
Corridor: 200 - 400 mg/dL
400 - 1000 mg/dl
Dangerously high triglycerides: 1000 mg/dL

Why is high cholesterol dangerous?

1. High levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with atherosclerosis. The main consequence of atherosclerosis is a blow to the heart and blood vessels.

2. As a result of the fact that the arteries narrow and lose elasticity due to plaque, oxygenated blood reaches the heart worse than it needs. This is how it develops ischemic disease heart in the form of chronic angina pectoris.

Cholesterol biosynthesis occurs in the liver, under the control endocrine system and depending on nutrition. For example, a cholesterol-rich diet slows down biosynthesis while the diet lacks a stimulus. Dietary cholesterol is carried to the liver through the blood via large lipoprotein molecules formed by the combination of a lipid with a protein called a chylomicron.

The presence of excess cholesterol in the blood, hypercholesterolemia, in the form of low and very low density lipoproteins, may be a risk factor and come from deposits in blood vessels that cause arteriosclerosis. Thus, cholesterol is a fundamental component of our body for the production of many hormones, as well as for the creation of cell membranes, especially nerve cells. The cholesterol produced by our liver is also partly passed through the food chain.

3. Atherosclerotic plaques can rupture, causing a blood clot (thrombus) to form inside the artery. These clots can eventually block an artery and lead to a myocardial infarction.

4. When a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to an area of the brain, it can also lead to a stroke, in which brain cells die.

However, it should be noted that the medical class does not completely agree with the values. It is important to remember how cholesterol should not be viewed and considered as a potential adversary, since cholesterol, a substance that somehow can remember what wax looks like, is essential for the formation of certain proteins and hormones.

There are basically two main types of cholesterol. If these are terms used by specialists, on common language division is known as good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. This type of cholesterol, which looks sticky, soft and thick, carries fat into the body. It is mistakenly considered bad, because its task is mainly to carry this fat, but circumstances that can greatly affect. This modification, in turn, causes the blood to be more constricted. However, it should be borne in mind that the level of cholesterol in the blood is greatly affected. To lower cholesterol levels, some lifestyle changes are appropriate.

5. Elevated Cholesterol Levels Can Lead to Atherosclerosis Obliterans lower extremities, and to the formation of stones in gallbladder and some other diseases.

Reasons for high cholesterol

There are several such reasons.

Smoking- a controlled cause of high LDL cholesterol.

Alcohol- if consumed more than the recommended doses (See ), leads to a significant increase in LDL and a decrease in HDL.

Indeed, you must begin physical and physical activity everyday. Thanks to physical activity, in addition to the ability to lose weight, cholesterol levels will also be controlled. Another highly desirable aspect is to stop smoking, as well as to limit the consumption of super perfumes as much as possible. These factors, together with proper diet will allow you to constantly control the level of cholesterol.

Check Your Cholesterol With Your Diet

Therefore, one of the factors that are important for cholesterol control is the diet, which should primarily be based on foods that favor the well-being of the heart and arteries. Lowering cholesterol may be beneficial in foods rich in soluble fiber, essential fatty acids, and dietary products containing phytosterols or stanols.

unhealthy food- a large amount of saturated fats and foods containing a lot of cholesterol leads to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

Insufficient physical activity- a direct correlation with high "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides and low - "good".

Overweight and obesity.

Food should be preferred and avoided

When spending the cost of controlling your cholesterol levels, it can be helpful to know what the cholesterol values are in foods. Conversely, they are absolutely cholesterol-free, potatoes, cucumbers, radishes, spinach, broccoli and artichokes, spaghetti, rice, and just to name a few.

In essence, seasonal and fresh produce, biodynamic and organic products. On the contrary, industrial products such as snack foods should be avoided by limiting bad fats and, to keep cholesterol under control, it should not go beyond eating seasoned cheese and sausages. As a condiment, it is recommended to use extra virgin olive oil.

There are two main types of cholesterol - low density lipoproteins and high density lipoproteins. A lipoprotein is a complex compound of polyproteins and cholesterol, it combines into such complexes, since it cannot be transported in the blood by itself.

One of these lipoproteins is considered to be good - it is HDL. LDL cholesterol is conventionally called bad cholesterol, it is considered the main carrier of cholesterol in the body. An excess of these lipoproteins increases the risk cardiovascular diseases and blockage of blood vessels, as it is deposited in the form of plaques on their walls.

Cholesterol is produced by the liver and is a normal component of bile; It is present in all cells of the body. In addition to the proportion normally produced by the body, cholesterol can be introduced externally with nutrition: it is present in foods rich in animal fat, such as meat, butter, salami and cheese, egg yolk, liver.

Vegetable products do not contain cholesterol. Triglycerides, so called because they are formed from three fatty chains linked to a glycerol molecule, are also constructed in the liver; their blood levels increase when the diet contains excess fat, or even carbohydrates and alcohol, as the liver converts these substances into fat. Triglycerides are an important source of energy for our body, they are the largest reserve of lipids and make up almost 90% of ingested fatty acids.

As high, it carries a threat to the body. Cholesterol is produced in the liver, and excess cholesterol enters the body through food, fatty foods. An important factor enhancement is also a hereditary predisposition and bad habits.

How is blood level determined?

LDL is determined by the method of colorimetric photometric research, it is measured in mmol per liter. Used for research deoxygenated blood. The analysis is taken on an empty stomach, it is important not to eat food for at least 12 hours before blood sampling. It is also necessary to exclude both physical and emotional stress 30 minutes before the study.

What is the function of cholesterol and triglycerides

To be transported into the blood, cholesterol and triglycerides require specific proteins called lipoproteins. There are several types of lipoproteins.

That's why this kind of cholesterol is the ultimate "bad".
Low density lipoproteins carry triglycerides in the blood.

In some cases, dyslipidemia occurs due to a genetic change, but the incidence of this condition is low. In most cases, dyslipidaemia occurs in patients with predisposing factors such as poor nutrition, smoking, sedentary, overweight and diabetes.

Sometimes the concentration in the norm can change, therefore, after the study, in case of obtaining a doubtful result, it is recommended to determine it after 1-3 months.

There are some comments regarding the delivery of such a biochemical blood test:

It is not recommended to take a lipidogram (an analysis for the determination of lipoproteins in the blood) after serious illnesses. It is recommended to wait at least six weeks after a heart attack, acute diseases, surgical operation.
It, as a rule, is not determined directly, but is calculated according to the formula based on other parameters: HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides.
Not all laboratories provide test results in mmol per liter, sometimes they may be in mg per deciliter. In addition, different laboratories may have slightly different assessment methods, and, accordingly, a normal result. Compare your results only with the reference values of the laboratory where you took the test. And it is best that your attending physician deals with the decoding of the results.
In some cases, this indicator is measured directly. This occurs with a significant increase in triglyceride levels. Most often, it is not given separately in laboratories, tests come in a package, for example, HDL cholesterol is also given.

Deciphering the results of the analysis

In this case, the concept of the norm is not entirely applicable. This is due to the fact that in the blood can be different for different people and depend not only on gender and age, but also on lifestyle, physical activity, etc.

Dyslipidemia is very common in people with hypertension, diabetes, and obesity: when all of these conditions coexist, different expressions the same disease, it is called " metabolic syndrome". We talked about "atherosclerotic plaque": when on inner wall arteries, an atherosclerotic plaque forms, it narrows, and the amount of oxygen-rich blood decreases. If the artery that is obstructing is the coronary artery, the heart part that receives blood from that artery goes into misery.

Cholesterol and triglycerides: what to do?

The same mechanism can cause arterial obstruction in other parts of the body and therefore suffer from other important organs such as kidney and brain. Everyone can and should know their cholesterol and triglyceride values by following a simple blood test. In particular, persons whose parents had coronary arteries or arteries of other areas, should be subjected to regular control; people with high blood pressure, diabetic subjects and obesity; people who have suffered from heart disease in the past.

At the same time, the definition advanced level This indicator can be observed with a hereditary predisposition. And also - violation of the diet (use a large number fatty foods), low physical activity and other factors.

A rough estimate of LDL levels is as follows:

the optimal indicator is a level below 2.6 mmol / l;
within the range of 2.6–3.3 mmol / l is considered the norm;
3.4-4.1 mmol / l - on upper bound norms or even increased;
4.1-4.9 mmol / l - high level;
anything above 4.9 mmol/L is considered very high.

Deciphering the norm for some ages for men and women looks like this:

If LDL is elevated, then this may be for the following reasons:

pregnancy; the analysis is given no earlier than six weeks after birth;
starvation;
taking certain drugs, in particular steroids;
passing the analysis standing;
smoking;
intake of large amounts of food containing fats.

If the level of LDL in the blood is below normal, the reasons for this may be:

being in a prone position;
certain drugs: hormones, antifungals, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and others;
a diet high in polyunsaturated fatty acids and low in cholesterol and saturated fatty acids.

If LDL cholesterol is elevated, then the cause is not only food. It can also cause such diseases:

stagnation of bile, provoked by liver disease or gallstone disease;
nephrotic syndrome;
reduced amount of thyroid hormones;
diabetes mellitus, high sugar levels;
cancer of the prostate or pancreas;
alcoholism and smoking.

Low-density lipoproteins below normal can be triggered by:

predisposition to low level cholesterol;
hyperthyroidism - increased amount thyroid hormones;
deficiency of vitamins B12 and B9;
burns;
acute diseases;
obstructive pulmonary disease.

How to lower bad cholesterol levels in the blood

Eating unsaturated fats lowers LDL cholesterol, while saturated and trans fats increase it. Therefore, first of all, follow a diet:

Increase the amount of soluble fiber, pectin.
Consume sterols from plants; most of them are found in such products: sunflower seeds, corn oil, avocados, orange juice, oatmeal bars and others.

To solve the problem of high LDL, increase physical activity. For people over the age of 40 who have not previously been involved in sports, a 40-minute walk will be enough. For young people, classes should be more intense. However, do not go too far. Exercising can also increase HDL cholesterol.

Diet and physical exercise- a sufficient condition for lowering cholesterol levels. Be sure to add to them a waiver bad habits. But lowering cholesterol in the blood is not always required, so it is optimal to control it, since it should be low, but not low. Moreover, HDL and LDL should be measured. Before adjusting the diet and selecting loads, you should consult with your doctor. He will be able to choose the optimal diet and exercise; in addition, if there is such a need, he will prescribe drugs that lower cholesterol levels.