How to lower high cholesterol, the norm in women and men. Cholesterol. Norm of cholesterol. Elevated cholesterol. Diet What level of cholesterol in the blood is considered normal

There is a widespread misconception that cholesterol is harmful to the body, and its level in the blood is one of the most important indicators of a person's health. Many in an attempt to maintain their health adhere to strict diets, excluding all foods containing cholesterol. However, few people know that it is part of cell membranes, gives them strength and ensures the exchange of substances between the cell and the intercellular substance and regulates the activity of enzymes. Thus, without cholesterol, the normal functioning of our body is impossible.

Despite the importance of cholesterol, excessive consumption of fatty foods of animal origin can lead to an increased content in the body, which negatively affects health and can cause serious illness.

Controlling cholesterol levels will help maintain your health for many years, increase the body's natural resistance, increase life expectancy and improve its quality. In this article, we will dispel the most common myths about the role of cholesterol in our body and its metabolism. We will also look at the most effective ways to control cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol (from the Greek. chole - bile and stereo - solid, hard) - was first identified in gallstones from here and got its name. It is a natural water-insoluble lipophilic alcohol. About 80% of cholesterol is synthesized in the body (liver, intestines, kidneys, adrenal glands, gonads), the remaining 20% ​​must come from the food we consume.

Circulating in the bloodstream, cholesterol, if necessary, is used as a building material, as well as for the synthesis of more complex compounds. Since it is insoluble in water (and, accordingly, in the blood), its transportation is possible only in the form of complex water-soluble compounds, which are divided into 2 types:

Low density lipoproteins (LDL)

High density lipoproteins (HDL)

Both of these substances must be in a strictly defined ratio, their total volume must also not exceed the norm. This can lead to serious diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Functions of cholesterol in the body:

- ensuring the strength of cell walls, regulation of their permeability for various molecules;

- synthesis of vitamin D;

- synthesis of steroid (cortisone, hydrocortisone), male (androgens) and female (estrogens, progesterone) sex hormones by the adrenal glands;

- in the form of bile acids, it participates in the formation of bile and the absorption of fats during digestion;

- participates in the formation of new synapses in the brain, thereby improving mental abilities and memory.

In fact, it is not cholesterol as such that causes harm, but its fluctuations beyond the norm. Health problems can cause both excess and lack of it in the body.

The negative impact of cholesterol

According to statistics, people who died from cardiovascular disease had low levels of high-density lipoproteins, but high levels of low-density lipoproteins.

Lipoproteins with their wrong ratio or prolonged high content in the blood can settle on the walls of blood vessels and cause atherosclerosis.

This dangerous disease occurs when plaques form on the vascular endothelium, which, over time, grow more and more and accumulate calcium. As a result, the lumen of the vessels narrows, they lose their elasticity (stenosis), which leads to a decrease in the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the heart and tissues and the development of angina (cessation of arterial blood flow to certain parts of the heart due to blockage of the coronary artery, accompanied by pain and discomfort in the chest) . Often, it is because of a violation of the blood supply that a heart attack or myocardial infarction occurs. The formation of cholesterol plaques leads to damage on the inner wall of the vessels, a blood clot can form, which can subsequently clog the artery or come off and cause an embolism. Also, a vessel that has lost its elasticity can burst with an increase in pressure in the bloodstream.

The role of lipoproteins

HDL is considered a "good" lipoprotein due to its ability to dissolve cholesterol plaques and remove it from the walls of arteries, the higher its percentage in relation to LDL ("bad" lipoprotein), the better. LDL transports cholesterol from the organs that synthesize it into the arteries, and with an increased content of this compound, these large insoluble molecules combine to form fatty plaques, attach to the vessels and clog them. Being subjected to oxidative processes, cholesterol loses its stability and can easily penetrate into the thickness of the walls of the arteries.

Specific antibodies begin to be produced in large quantities against the formed oxidized LDL, which leads to severe damage to the walls of the arteries. In addition, cholesterol lowers nitric oxide levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Nitric oxide plays an important role in the body:

- dilates blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, prevents the formation of blood clots in the bloodstream;

- plays an important role in the fight against bacteria and viruses that enter the body, destroys cancer cells;

- increases the endurance of muscle tissue;

- participates in the exchange of information between different cells, is a neurotransmitter in synapses.

HDL not only removes cholesterol from the blood back to the liver, but also prevents the oxidation of LDL.

Signs of high cholesterol levels in the body

An increase in cholesterol levels is associated with a violation of lipid (fat) metabolism. This can be a symptom not only of atherosclerosis, but also of other serious diseases:

- liver;

- kidneys (chronic renal failure, glomerulonephritis);

- pancreas (chronic pancreatitis);

- diabetes mellitus (a serious disease associated with a violation of the synthesis of beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas);

- hypothyroidism (decreased synthesis of thyroid hormones);

- obesity.

Symptoms of atherosclerosis are caused by narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels as a result of prolonged and persistent elevated cholesterol levels, and deterioration of blood circulation in different parts of the bloodstream.

Main symptoms:

- angina pectoris (sudden discomfort or pain in the chest that occurs during exercise or emotional stress);

- shortness of breath;

- arrhythmia (violation of the heart rhythm);

- cyanosis and swelling of the peripheral parts of the body (fingers, toes);

- periodic cramps in the legs (intermittent claudication);

- memory impairment, inattention;

- decrease in intellectual abilities;

- yellow-pink lipid deposits in the skin (xanthomas), most often observed on the skin of the eyelids and in the ankle joints.

The impact of HDL and LDL levels on our health

Still, the opinion that the total level of HDL and LDL lipoproteins affects the state of health and their increase entails terrible consequences for the functioning of the whole organism. However, this statement is not entirely true. Yes, the above diseases will be accompanied by an increased content of lipoproteins in general, but what is much more important is the exact ratio of “good” HDL and “bad” LDL in the blood. It is the violation of this proportion that leads to health problems. When determining the content of lipoproteins in the blood, 4 indicators are taken into account: the total amount of cholesterol, the level of HDL, LDL and triglycerides.

Norms

Total cholesterol in the blood - 3.0 - 5.0 mmol/l;

With the threat of atherosclerosis, total cholesterol rises to 7.8 mmol / l;

LDL at men- 2.25 - 4.82 mmol / l;

LDL in women- 1.92 - 4.51 mmol / l;

HDL at men- 0.72 - 1.73 mmol / l;

HDL at women- 0.86 - 2.28 mmol / l;

Triglyceridesin men- 0.52 - 3.7 mmol / l;

Triglyceridesamong women- 0.41 - 2.96 mmol / l.

The most indicative is the ratio of HDL and LDL against the background of total cholesterol. In a healthy body, HDL is much higher than LDL.

The most effective treatments for high cholesterol

There are many drugs that lower cholesterol in cases where this indicator poses a serious threat to health, or already at the onset of atherosclerosis. It is necessary to pay tribute, an important part of which is proper nutrition. In such cases, diet and moderate exercise will help not only bring all blood counts back to normal, but also completely heal and rejuvenate your body.

For a faster therapeutic effect, pharmacological preparations are used:

— Statins- the most popular drugs, the principle of their action is to inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver by blocking the corresponding enzymes. Usually they are taken once a day at bedtime (at this time, the active production of cholesterol in the body begins). The therapeutic effect occurs after 1-2 weeks of systematic use, with prolonged use they are not addictive. Side effects may include nausea, abdominal and muscle pain, and in rare cases, there may be individual sensitivity. Drugs of the statin group can reduce cholesterol levels by 60%, but with their long-term use, it is necessary to regularly take tests for AST and ALT every six months. The most common statins are cerivastatin, fluvastatin, and lovastatin.

— Fibrates stimulate the production of HDL, are recommended when the amount of triglycerides is 4.5 mmol / l. Not recommended for use with statins. Side effects are manifested in the form of gastrointestinal disorders, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Representatives of this group of drugs: clofibrate, fenofibrate, gemfibrozil.

— bile acid sequestrants. This group of drugs is not absorbed into the blood, but acts locally - it binds to bile acids, which are synthesized from cholesterol, and remove them from the body naturally. The liver begins to increase the production of bile acids, using more cholesterol from the blood, a visible positive effect occurs a month after the start of medication, to enhance the effect, simultaneous administration of statins is possible. Prolonged use of drugs can lead to impaired absorption of fats and vitamins, increased bleeding is possible. Side effects: flatulence, constipation. These drugs include: colestipol, cholestyramine.

— Cholesterol absorption inhibitors interfere with the absorption of lipids from the intestine. Drugs in this group can be prescribed to people who have contraindications to taking statins, since they are not absorbed into the blood. In Russia, only 1 drug of the group of cholesterol absorption inhibitors, ezetrol, is registered.

The above measures are used in advanced cases, when it is necessary to quickly reduce cholesterol levels, and lifestyle changes cannot quickly give the desired effect. But even when taking pharmacological agents, do not forget about prevention, and harmless natural supplements that, with long-term regular use, will help you prevent diseases of the cardiovascular system in the future.

Folk remedies to help lower blood cholesterol levels

- Niacin (nicotinic acid, vitamin PP, vitamin B 3). The mechanism of action is not fully understood, but experiments show that after a few days of taking high doses of the vitamin, the level of LDL and triglycerides in the blood decreases markedly, but the amount of HDL increases up to 30%. Unfortunately, it does not reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular complications and seizures. For maximum effectiveness, niacin can be combined with other treatments.

— . Contained in fish oil and seafood, as well as in vegetable oils of cold pressing (unrefined). They have a positive effect on the nervous system, prevent rickets during the period of active growth, help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, improve blood circulation, strengthen blood vessels and give them elasticity, prevent their thrombosis, participate in the synthesis of hormone-like substances - prostaglandins. Regular intake of sources of essential fatty acids will miraculously affect the functioning of the whole organism, in particular, it will help prevent the development of atherosclerosis.

— Vitamin E. An extremely strong antioxidant that prevents the breakdown of LDL and the formation of fatty plaques. For the onset of a positive effect, it is necessary to constantly use the vitamin in appropriate doses.

— Green tea contains polyphenols - substances that affect lipid metabolism, they reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol and increase the content of "useful". In addition, tea contains antioxidants.

- Garlic. Fresh garlic is recommended to use to lower cholesterol levels, prevent the formation of clots in the vessels (thinns the blood). The active components that make up garlic are sulfur-containing compounds, in particular, alliin.

— Soy protein. By action, they are similar to estrogens - they reduce the likelihood of atherosclerosis. Genistein prevents LDL oxidation due to its antioxidant properties. In addition, soy stimulates the production of bile, thereby helping to remove cholesterol from the body.

— Vitamins B 6 (pyridoxine), B 9 (folic acid), B 12 (cyanocobalamin). A sufficient amount of these vitamins in the diet contributes to the proper functioning of the heart muscle, significantly reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

What factors contribute to high cholesterol levels and the development of atherosclerosis?

Most often, atherosclerosis affects people who have neglected their health for a long time. The sooner you change your lifestyle, the less likely you are to develop serious diseases. Here are 4 main factors that contribute to high blood cholesterol levels:

— Passive lifestyle. With low mobility, lack of physical activity, the level of "bad" cholesterol rises, creating a threat of the development of cardiovascular diseases.

— Obesity. Violation of lipid metabolism is closely related to high cholesterol. Overweight people are prone to various diseases of the cardiovascular system.

— Smoking. It leads to narrowing of the arteries, an increase in blood viscosity, thrombosis, entails the risk of heart disease.

— Consumption of fatty animal products in large quantities leads to an increase in LDL.

— Heredity. The predisposition to high cholesterol levels is genetically transmitted. Therefore, people whose relatives suffer from this pathology should carefully monitor their health.

Healthy lifestyle as a way to fight cholesterol

As long as you adhere to proper nutrition and an active lifestyle, the risk of developing various diseases decreases. This is especially true for people at risk. By changing your lifestyle, you improve the work of the whole organism, even despite the tendency to any pathologies, internal defense mechanisms can easily cope with the threat.

Active sports improve metabolism, train the heart muscle simultaneously with the skeletal muscles, contribute to a better blood supply to all organs and systems (during physical exertion, the blood from the depot goes into the general channel, this contributes to a better saturation of the organs with oxygen and nutrients).

Sports exercises also lead to the strengthening of the walls of blood vessels, prevent the development of varicose veins.

Don't forget the importance of proper nutrition. Do not abuse strict diets. The body must receive all the nutrients it needs in the optimal ratio, vitamins and minerals, fiber. The diet should contain enough vegetables, fruits, cereals, lean meat, sea and ocean fish, vegetable unrefined oils, milk and dairy products. If there is a lack of any vitamins in the diet, it is worth periodically taking preparations with their content to prevent beriberi.

Quitting smoking will reduce the risk of developing not only atherosclerosis, but also a number of other diseases, such as bronchitis, stomach ulcers, and cancer.

Sport is the best remedy for stress and depression, it tempers the nervous system. Regular physical activity, whether it's a run in the park or 3 hours of exercise in the gym, helps to remove the negativity and irritation accumulated over the whole day, many athletes experience euphoria during training. It has been experimentally proven that active people are much less prone to stress than those who lead a sedentary lifestyle.

Conclusion

As you can see, cholesterol is an extremely important compound that performs a number of vital functions. It is necessary for our life, but in the body its amount should not go beyond the norm. An imbalance in the ratio of high and low density lipoproteins entails serious consequences.

The best treatment is timely prevention. The most effective way to prevent high cholesterol levels in the blood is a healthy lifestyle.

When you give up bad habits and start adhering to the above rules, you will completely forget about health problems.

Cholesterol. Myths and deceit.

Omega-3 and fish oil: daily intake and how to take The stress hormone cortisol: why elevated levels are dangerous

Cholesterol is an essential part of our body. This complex compound is found in all human tissues and organs. Without this substance, it is simply impossible to be healthy. The rate of cholesterol in the blood is an indicator of lipid metabolism. Deviations from the norm entail the risks of developing various dangerous diseases, such as atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, etc.

Cholesterol myths and reality

What is cholesterol? Many of us, having heard the word cholesterol, are completely sure that this substance is harmful, and only brings trouble. We try in every possible way to get rid of cholesterol, come up with various diets for ourselves, refuse many foods and live with the confidence that this “nasty thing” is definitely not in our body, and we have a normal cholesterol level.

However, all this is completely false. With food, only 20-30% of cholesterol enters the human body. The rest is produced by the liver. Cholesterol is involved in all metabolic processes of the body, and is of particular importance for the production of sex hormones. However, not all cholesterol is good. A good substance is called alpha-cholesterol. This is a compound that has a high density and cannot settle on the walls of blood vessels.

Harmful cholesterol has a low density. It moves along the bloodstream in conjunction with low density lipoproteins. It is these substances that can clog blood vessels, and harm human health. Together, these two cholesterols make up the total mass, but when diagnosing diseases or assessing the risks of developing pathologies, doctors must evaluate the norms of cholesterol in the blood of each of the substances separately.

Where does bad cholesterol come from?

Not many people know that cholesterol itself is not dangerous for our body. Low-density lipoproteins make it dangerous. These are molecules that are large and loose. It is they who, transporting cholesterol, can easily oxidize and stick to the walls of blood vessels. An excess of these cells occurs in the body due to lipid metabolism disorders. In addition, the condition of the vessels also affects the deposition of cholesterol plaques.

If the walls of the vessels are not elastic or damaged, this is where dangerous cholesterol will accumulate.

Thus, we can say that the main reasons that cause an increase in bad cholesterol are:

• An unbalanced diet that disrupts lipid metabolism.
• Bad habits that destroy blood vessels.
• A sedentary lifestyle that contributes to the weakening of the vascular system.

The amount of bad cholesterol is also affected by the level of sugar in the blood. People with diabetes most often face the problem of high cholesterol. In addition, overweight and cholesterol-free diets negatively affect health. It is these diets that provoke the liver to produce more aggressive cholesterol. For this reason, nutrition in people with high cholesterol should be balanced and healthy, aimed not at completely getting rid of fat, but at strengthening blood vessels and restoring lipid metabolism.

Norms

What is the norm of cholesterol in the blood of a healthy person? This question cannot be answered unambiguously. When evaluating a patient's health, it is important to consider their age, gender, weight, and even lifestyle. Today, doctors use the following table of blood cholesterol norms by age:

Cholesterol norms by age of a man:

A woman's normal cholesterol level:

Please note that these figures are only approximations. The rate for each patient should be determined by the attending physician. You also need to remember that the level of cholesterol in the blood is important to control constantly. Many people think that these tests should only be taken if you are overweight or in old age. However, doctors today say that cardiovascular diseases caused by high cholesterol are getting younger every year.

For this reason, the cholesterol content in the blood should be checked for every adult once a year.

Also, experts are sounding the alarm about the increase in blood cholesterol in children. Improper nutrition and a passive lifestyle are killing our kids. The situation is aggravated by the abundance of junk food that children love so much. As a result of eating a large number of chips, hamburgers, pizza and other sweets, the child gets early vascular diseases, which can often result in the development of dangerous pathologies. The norm of cholesterol in children is calculated individually, and each mother should monitor these indicators in her child in order to detect deviations in time.

Possible deviations and pathologies

What should be the norm of cholesterol in the blood? Ideally, your test scores should fall within a table of averages. However, each person is individual and small deviations most often do not require correction. If a person’s readings deviate significantly from the norm, urgent measures must be taken to stabilize them. Many of us know that an increase in total cholesterol is dangerous to health, but not many people understand that a low level of this substance in the blood is a health hazard. Nature has made sure that all substances in the human body are in a certain balance. Any deviation from this balance entails unpleasant consequences.

Downgrade

Lowering blood cholesterol levels is especially dangerous for an adult. We are all used to hearing only advice on how to reduce this substance in the blood, but no one remembers that a strong decrease in cholesterol can also be the cause of the development of dangerous diseases.

• Psychical deviations.
• Depression and panic attacks.
• Decreased libido.
• Infertility.
• Osteoporosis.
• hemorrhagic stroke.

It is for this reason that the amount of cholesterol in the blood should be given special attention, because a decrease in the level is often provoked by the patients themselves with all kinds of diets and an unhealthy lifestyle. Without cholesterol in the body, blood vessels become brittle, the nervous system suffers, sex hormones stop being produced, and the condition of the bones worsens.

Also, the reasons for the fact that cholesterol in the blood is lowered may be:

• Wrong nutrition.
• Pathology of the liver.
• Strong stress.
• Intestinal pathologies.
• hereditary factors.
• Taking certain medications.

If you have low cholesterol in your blood, the first thing you need to do is review your diet. You need to include more fat-rich foods in your diet. If the matter is not in the diet, it is necessary to check the liver and intestines. With liver pathologies, the body simply cannot synthesize internal cholesterol, and with intestinal diseases, the body does not absorb fats from food. Treatment should be aimed at eliminating the underlying disease and bringing the indicators to the level at which cholesterol should be at your age.

Level up

It is generally accepted that the increase in cholesterol levels depends only on human nutrition, but this is absolutely not true. High cholesterol levels can occur for a variety of reasons. Most often, this deviation can be triggered by the following situations:

• Wrong nutrition.
• Overweight.
• Passive lifestyle.
• hereditary factors.
• Taking certain medications.
• Diabetes.
• Liver diseases.
• Diseases of the thyroid gland.
• Kidney diseases.

Many patients are sure that if they have high cholesterol levels, this will definitely result in a heart attack or stroke. However, we must not forget that there are other risks of developing cardiovascular diseases. You also need to remember that these diseases can also occur in the case when the values ​​​​of cholesterol in the blood are normal.

Of course, with an increase in cholesterol, the risks increase, but this is not a reason to panic and completely abandon animal fats.

What can not be done if the rate of total cholesterol is increased in a person’s blood:

1. It is impossible to refuse the use of animal fats. The diet should be low-carb, not fat-free. If you refuse foods with fats, the liver itself will begin to produce more cholesterol.
2. You can not starve and overeat at night.
3. You can not eat whole grains, they are high in carbohydrates.
4. You can not eat a lot of fruits - this is a source of carbohydrates.
5. You can't lose weight drastically.

It is these actions that are most often taken by people who have exceeded the permissible level of cholesterol. However, by doing so, they cause even more harm to their body, because the main enemy is not fats, but carbohydrates!

How to lower cholesterol

It is believed that a low-fat diet can lower cholesterol in adults and children. However, recent studies have shown that avoiding animal fats is not effective in lowering blood cholesterol. The indicator not only does not decrease, in some cases it even begins to grow, because the liver begins to actively produce the missing substance. It has also been proven that the use of margarine instead of butter causes even greater risks of developing cardiovascular disease.

In order to really effectively lower cholesterol, you need to adhere to the following rules:

• You need to know exactly what the norm of cholesterol in the blood is for you. This indicator should tell you a doctor.
• Physical activity is required. How much a day to play sports should be determined by the doctor. The average schedule of classes is 30-60 minutes daily.
• Avoid foods with trans fats.
• Limit your carbohydrate intake.
• Give up bad habits. Those who do not smoke and do not abuse alcohol often have normal cholesterol levels.
• Eat more fiber, which is allowed on a low-carb diet.
• Be sure to eat oily fish. Good cholesterol and its norm depend on the intake of omega 3 fats in the body.

Also, blood indicators for cholesterol, the norm of which depends on age, can improve the following products:

• Nuts (excluding peanuts, cashews).
• Sea fish.
• Leafy greens.
• Avocado.
• Olive oil.

Many patients today decide to lower their cholesterol by folk methods. However, there is no one recipe for everyone that would be effective. In addition, many of them have serious side effects. They should not be used without the approval of the attending physician. If proper nutrition and exercise do not improve the situation, you will be prescribed medication at the discretion of the doctor.

Many of us have heard how important it is to lower cholesterol, but everything should have a measure and an objective point of view. The main thing in this whole problem is that we are ready to drink medicines and do not want to give up harmful things that are familiar to us at all. Remember, only a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet and physical activity will help you stay alert and healthy for many years.

In contact with

Atherosclerosis of the vessels of various organs occurs in a large part of the elderly, which is most often associated with the impact on the human body of a number of factors, including lifestyle, diet, etc. A similar disease occurs against the background of an increase in the level of cholesterol in the blood, as well as changes in the content of low and high density lipoproteins (LDL and HDL, respectively).

In this regard, each person should know what is the norm of cholesterol in the blood, and control these values ​​​​when undergoing preventive medical examinations. This is necessary for the early prevention of atherosclerosis and, as a rule, makes it possible to detect changes in fat metabolism at the earliest stages of their development, when it is enough to change the diet and lifestyle for treatment.

Normal cholesterol levels in a certain proportion are different indicators

General information about lipids

People have a myth that cholesterol is an extremely harmful substance, the indicator of which in the blood from a vein should be as low as possible, and products containing cholesterol should be completely abandoned. This myth about the norms of cholesterol and the nature of its influence on the body is completely untrue.

The norm of total cholesterol in the blood should always be evaluated in conjunction with the determination of the level of LDL, HDL and triglycerides in humans.

In the human body, cholesterol performs a large number of physiological functions necessary to maintain health. It is involved in the formation of cell membranes, their recovery after damage, in the synthesis of many hormones, as well as in the metabolism of fat-soluble vitamins. In this regard, the content of cholesterol in the blood of a healthy person should always correspond to its norm, depending on age.

What is cholesterol? This is a fairly simple fat molecule that takes part in many biological processes. At the same time, it is believed that in the development of atherosclerotic vascular lesions, the main role is assigned not to cholesterol, but to more complex compounds - lipoproteins.

• Low and very low density lipoproteins (LDL and VLDL) are involved in the transport of fats from liver cells to various peripheral tissues. In this regard, it is this class of molecules that is able to provoke the onset of atherosclerosis and maintain its course. This indicator in the blood from a vein in adults must be monitored during the treatment of diseases caused by atherosclerotic processes.
• High density lipoproteins (HDL). Their level is an important indicator of the adequacy of fat metabolism in the body, since HDL transfer fats from the arteries to the liver tissue, preventing the development of atherosclerosis.
• Chylomicrons are a collection of triglycerides and various lipid substances that play a role in energy metabolism and in the synthesis of other biologically active molecules.

Coming out of all of the above, it is important to understand that the norm of cholesterol in the blood by age is a fairly relative indicator. This is due to the fact that the level of total cholesterol in the blood from a vein cannot objectively show the doctor the risks of developing and progressing atherosclerotic lesions of the arteries in the body of an adult.

Factors Affecting Plasma Lipids

The normal level of cholesterol depends on a large number of factors related to the lifestyle and characteristics of the human body. It is believed that the indicators of fat metabolism are mainly influenced by modifiable factors, i.e. those that can be changed by the person himself.

The most effective way to prevent high cholesterol levels in the blood is a healthy lifestyle.

• The image of a person's life. The low level of daily physical activity, the predominance of "sedentary" work make a great contribution to the development of atherosclerotic changes.
• The diet, namely the predominance of fatty foods and foods rich in easily digestible carbohydrates, leads to an increase in blood cholesterol, as well as LDL.
• Tobacco smoking and alcohol abuse leads to an increase in the synthesis of cholesterol and LDL in the liver.
• Endocrine diseases such as diabetes mellitus, as well as obesity, congenital and acquired metabolic disorders, affect the metabolism of fats in humans, lead to an excess of cholesterol in the blood.

In addition to these modifiable factors that affect the indicators of the amount of cholesterol, non-modifiable ones are distinguished, which cannot be changed.

• Congenital genetic disorders of lipid metabolism, leading to a persistent increase in blood cholesterol and LDL, and, as a result, the early development of atherosclerotic changes and related diseases.
• The age of the person. For women, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease increases from the age of 55, for men - from the age of 50.

Knowledge of the main factors affecting cholesterol metabolism allows for effective primary and secondary prevention, preventing the development of such severe complications of diseases as myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke.

Lipid levels may vary with age, gender, body condition, and other factors.

Many patients and healthy people are wondering what is the norm of cholesterol in the blood? It is very difficult to answer this question, since it is necessary to take into account the indications of other laboratory research methods, including the determination of LDL, HDL and total triglycerides. For each of these analyzes, there are values ​​that are considered normal. Consider the general allowable norms in the form of tables.

The norm of the level of cholesterol, taking into account the risks:

Since the level of cholesterol in the blood is not a self-sufficient indicator, it is important to evaluate the amount of LDL and HDL. For LDL, the risk indicators are as follows:

Lipids are fat-like organic compounds

Indicators of the level of risk when measuring HDL, which play a protective role in the development of atherosclerosis, are as follows:

These levels of cholesterol normally differ depending on the sex and age of the person, which must also be taken into account when interpreting the tests.

Norms for men and women

Indicators of cholesterol in a person's blood depend on his gender and age, which is believed to be due to the hormonal background in the body. The levels of cholesterol in the blood are as follows:

High-density lipoproteins have different normal values ​​for women and men

The rate of cholesterol, depending on age, is always taken into account by doctors when receiving the results of the analysis. Thus, the cholesterol content detected during the study should be compared with the table in which this indicator corresponds to the patient's age.

It is desirable for each person to know exactly what the norm of cholesterol in the body at his age is, as this helps in tracking his health and allows you to understand whether lifestyle changes and what you need to eat in food are necessary.

What deviations are possible in the analyzes?

After the patient has received the results of his tests for cholesterol and other lipids, as well as recommendations from the attending physician, he needs to understand for himself how much the metabolism of fats in his body is disturbed and how much cholesterol should be normal.

When thinking about what level of cholesterol is considered normal, it is important to remember that age and cholesterol are highly interdependent, so it is necessary to use special age tables, in which there should be a norm separately for each category of people. It is with the underestimation of this factor that errors of interpretation and the appointment of incorrect treatment are most often associated.

In diagnostics, it is important not to identify lipids, but to determine their overestimated value compared to the permissible norm.

What normal and pathological results can be obtained from a blood test for cholesterol?

1. How much cholesterol should be for it to be considered an absolute norm that does not pose any threat to human health? A healthy cholesterol level is considered to be no more than 5.1 mmol per liter, since at these values ​​lipids are not deposited in the vessel wall.
2. A moderate increase in cholesterol concentration is observed when a result is obtained from 5.2 to 7.7 mmol / l. In such situations, a person is advised to take measures to return total cholesterol to normal.
3. If the cholesterol level exceeds 7.7, then the patient is at risk of serious diseases of the cardiovascular system with a high risk of complications. In these cases, it is recommended to re-donate blood for cholesterol against the background of treatment until the norm is reached.
4. What should be the level of cholesterol in patients with comorbidities? As a rule, only a value less than 4.5 mmol / l is considered normal in this situation and provides adequate protection against the development of complications of atherosclerosis.

Questions of interpretation of test results are very important. In no case should you independently evaluate the data obtained and, moreover, prescribe some kind of self-treatment. In most cases, this leads to aggravation of diseases and more rapid occurrence of vascular complications.

What should be done in case of increased risk?

High cholesterol levels can lead to the onset of the growth of atherosclerotic plaques in the vessels and to the development of various diseases associated with this process. Therefore, people with impaired lipid metabolism should follow the following recommendations.

Daily simple exercise can help lower cholesterol

• Organize regular exercise.
• Modify the diet by excluding fatty foods, confectionery, pasta, etc.
• Reduce body weight.
• Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Undergo regular medical examinations for early detection of diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

After conducting a biochemical study, you must contact your doctor to interpret its results.

Controlling the level of lipoproteins of various densities and cholesterol plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of various vascular and heart diseases associated with the appearance and development of atherosclerotic plaques. Such analyzes are carried out in any diagnostic centers, which allows you to regularly monitor fat metabolism in the body and prevent the development of negative consequences of its violation.

According to world statistics, the most common cause of death is cardiovascular disease. One of the leading positions in the list is occupied by atherosclerosis and its complications: myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure. Since atherosclerosis is one of the consequences of lipid metabolism disorders, in particular cholesterol metabolism, in recent decades this compound has been considered perhaps the most harmful. However, one should be aware that an excess of cholesterol in the body is one of the consequences of a modern lifestyle. Firstly, the human body is a conservative system, unable to instantly respond to the achievements of technological progress. The diet of modern man is radically different from the diet of his grandfathers. The accelerating rhythm of life also contributes to metabolic disorders. At the same time, it is worth remembering that cholesterol is one of the natural and vital intermediate products of plastic metabolism.

Cholesterol or cholesterol is a fatty substance from the class of higher alcohols, insoluble in water. Together with phospholipids, cholesterol is part of cell membranes. During the breakdown of cholesterol, precursor compounds of highly active biological substances are formed: bile acids, vitamin D 3 and corticosteroid hormones, it is necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Approximately 80% of this substance is synthesized in the liver, the rest a person receives from food of animal origin.

However, high cholesterol is not beneficial, the excess is deposited in the gallbladder and on the walls of blood vessels, causing cholelithiasis and atherosclerosis.

Cholesterol circulates in the blood in the form of lipoproteins, which differ in their physicochemical properties. They are divided into "bad", atherogenic cholesterol and "good", anti-atherogenic. The atherogenic fraction is approximately 2/3 of total cholesterol. It includes low and very low density lipoproteins (LDL and VLDL, respectively), as well as intermediate fractions. Very low density lipoproteins are more commonly referred to as triglycerides. In foreign literature, they are combined under the general name "atherogenic lipoprotein", abbreviated as LDL. These compounds received the name "bad" conditionally, since they are the precursors of vital compounds, including "good" cholesterol.

High-density lipoproteins (HDL, "good" cholesterol) make up 1/3 of the total. These compounds have anti-atherogenic activity and help to cleanse the vascular walls from deposits of potentially dangerous fractions.

Limits of the norm

Before starting the fight against “enemy number 1”, you need to imagine how much cholesterol is normal, so as not to go to the other extreme and not lower its content to critically low. To assess the state of lipid metabolism, a biochemical blood test is performed. In addition to the actual total cholesterol content, attention should be paid to the ratio of atherogenic and anti-atherogenic fractions. The preferred concentration of this substance for healthy people is 5.17 mmol / l, with diagnosed diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases, the recommended level is lower, not more than 4.5 mmol / l. LDL fractions normally make up to 65% of the total, the rest is HDL. However, in the age group from 40 to 60 years, there are often cases when this ratio is strongly shifted towards the “bad” fractions, with overall indicators close to normal.

It should be noted that the rate of cholesterol in the blood is a dynamic indicator, depending on gender, age, and the presence of certain diseases.

The level of cholesterol in the blood of women is higher than that of men of the same age, which confirms the blood test. This is due to the physiological characteristics of the hormonal background.

Lower limit of normal

In addition to the upper limit of normal cholesterol in the blood, one should also remember the existence of a lower limit. The principle “the less the better” is fundamentally erroneous, cholesterol deficiency (hypocholesterolemia) is detected in very serious conditions, sometimes no less dangerous than atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Hypocholesterolemia may accompany:

• Tumor processes;
• Tuberculosis, sarcoidosis and some other lung diseases;
• Some types of anemia;
• Severe liver damage;
• Hyperfunction of the thyroid gland;
• Dystrophy;
• extensive burns;
• Purulent inflammatory processes in soft tissues;
• Damage to the central nervous system;
• Typhus.

The lower limit of the HDL norm is 0.9 mmol / l. With a further decrease, the risk of developing coronary artery disease increases, since there are too few anti-atherogenic lipoproteins and the body is unable to resist the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. A decrease in LDL usually occurs against the background of the same pathological conditions as for total cholesterol.

Elevated cholesterol

Among the possible causes of elevated cholesterol levels in the results of a blood test:

• Excess fatty foods of animal origin and trans fats in the diet;
• Hypodynamia;
• Treatment with certain groups of drugs;
• Age;
• Features of the hormonal background;
• Heredity.

In smokers, a decrease in the content of the protective fraction of lipoproteins is predominantly noted. Excess body weight is usually accompanied by an increased content of triglycerides in the blood and a decrease in the concentration of HDL, however, what is the cause and what is the consequence has not been fully elucidated.

Elevated blood cholesterol is detected in the following pathologies:

• Liver diseases;
• Pancreatic lesions;
• Hypothyroidism;
• Kidney disease, accompanied by severe signs of renal failure;
• Pituitary dysfunction;
• Diabetes;
• Alcoholism.

A temporary physiological increase in cholesterol levels is noted during pregnancy. Lipid metabolism disorders can also be triggered by a high level of stress.

Determination of cholesterol in the blood

A biochemical blood test makes it possible to determine the total cholesterol content, which is the sum of the concentrations of LDL and HDL. The norms for each of the fractions are different and the results of the blood test are correlated with the table, which shows the norm of cholesterol by age for men and women. Such tables indicate the range of concentrations in which cholesterol does not affect health. Deviations from the limits of the norm do not always indicate pathological processes, since cholesterol levels fluctuate depending on the season and some other factors. Relatively recently, it was found that the content of cholesterol also depends on belonging to different ethnic groups.

Who needs a cholesterol test

• Cardiological diseases;
• Obesity;
• Bad habits;
• Arterial hypertension;
• The use of hormonal drugs, beta-blockers, some diuretics;
• The use of statins;
• Formation of xanthelasma and xanthoma.

Blood for analysis is taken from a vein on an empty stomach. To obtain reliable results, it is recommended to lengthen the overnight fast and abstain from fatty foods on the eve of the visit to the laboratory. When issuing a referral, the doctor must instruct the patient in detail about the features of preparing for the study.

In a biochemical blood test, the coefficients of HDL alpha-cholesterol and LDL beta-cholesterol are determined.

• < 0,9 – оптимальное для людей с сердечно-сосудистыми заболеваниями;
• < 1,8 – рекомендованное при наличии предрасположенности к сердечно-сосудистым заболеваниям;
• < 2,1 – оптимальное;
• 2.0-4.3 - limits of the norm;
• > 4.6 - 5.8 - increased;
• > 6.0 - very high

• <1,1 ммоль/л у мужчин и <1,5 ммоль/л для женщин – пониженное:
• 1.4 - 1.6 mmol / l in men, 1.2 - 1.6 mmol / l for women - normal;
• > 1.8 mmol / l - increased.

Devices and tests for home monitoring of blood lipids are currently available. They are very relevant for people who need more strict control of blood counts.

Among women

Women have slightly more cholesterol in their blood than men, and its content increases with age. The same numbers in the analysis data turn out to be almost ideal for one age group and harbingers of disaster for another. Healthy patients can focus on the following data:

• 20-25 years old - 1.9-2.7;
• 30-35 years old - 2.2-3.1;
• 35-40 years old - 3.0-4.3;
• 45-50 years old - 4.2-5.2;
• 50-55 years old - 4.3-6.1;
• 55-60 years old - 4.1-6.8;
• 60-65 years old - 4.4-7.6.

Whatever the result of a particular lipid profile, the doctor will decipher it. This will take into account the characteristics of the patient's health status, her hormonal status and other factors affecting cholesterol levels. Based on the presence of risk factors and identified deviations from the allowable values ​​of the individual norm, the doctor will give appropriate recommendations or prescribe a course of treatment.

In men

Men are more at risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and blood cholesterol levels should be lower than in women. For healthy men, the norm of cholesterol content by age looks like this:

• 20-25 years old - 2.8-4.6;
• 30-35 years old - 3.0-5.2;
• 35-40 years old - 3.2-6.0;
• 45-50 years old - 3.4-6.4;
• 50-55 years old - 3.9-6.7;
• 55-60 years old - 4.1-7.4;
• 60-65 years old - 4.2-7.6.

In the presence of certain factors that affect the level of cholesterol, the limits of the individual norm may differ slightly from the average age indicators. Determining the degree of their impact on health and the need for correction is the competence of the doctor.

Treatment

If an abnormal cholesterol content is detected against the background of any pathological conditions, treatment of the underlying disease is prescribed. In some cases, the elimination of the background state is sufficient to normalize the lipid profile.

First of all, the patient is advised to correct the lifestyle. First of all, you need to change the quality of food. The classic diet for hypercholesterolemia involves limiting the intake of animal fats, trans fats are completely banned. There is also an alternative view of the diet, some experts insist on limiting carbohydrates, since their increased content in the diet has a stronger effect on cholesterol levels than natural fats. One way or another, but the correction of the diet is carried out under the guidance of a doctor, taking into account possible concomitant pathologies. It is not recommended to eat fried foods; when cooking, baking, stewing, steaming is recommended.

Physical activity is an effective means of normalizing cholesterol levels. Regular exercise stabilizes the ratio of "good" and "bad" lipoproteins within the normal range.

If the transition to a healthy lifestyle for one reason or another is not enough, the patient is prescribed medication. The choice of drugs depends on age, comorbidities, risk of developing cardiopathologies. The patient may be prescribed:

• Statins. This group of drugs inhibits the synthesis of cholesterol and increases the content of HDL. Presumably, some drugs from this group contribute to the dissolution of atherosclerotic plaques. Statins are prescribed only by a doctor, self-medication is strictly prohibited.
• Bile acid sequestrants. The drugs of this group inhibit the activity of bile acids and stimulate an increase in their production to utilize excess cholesterol.
• Cholesterol absorption inhibitors reduce the absorption of this compound from food.

Over the past few decades, consumers have been taught that cholesterol is almost the main enemy of mankind, lying in wait for inattentive eaters in every piece of food.

The media explain to ordinary people that because of it, atherosclerosis develops, leading to strokes, and other diseases of the heart and blood vessels. It got to the point that many began to consider this substance almost a poison, and now a diet made up of products in which this mortal enemy is completely absent is considered ideal.

Only here assurances that a lot of cholesterol is bad does not mean at all that its lack or absence is a real paradise and a guarantee of excellent health.

Almost everyone knows that this substance is harmful, but few people know how necessary it is for the body. Meanwhile in terms of usefulness, it can be correlated with vitamins- without it, the normal functioning of a number of body systems is impossible.

From the point of view of a chemist, cholesterol is an unsaturated alcohol, which would be more correctly called cholesterol. It is found in the human body in three forms:

• constituent element of lipoproteins;
• free form;
• ester.

In free form, it is part of all cell membranes, as an ester it is found in atheromatous plaques, adrenal cortex, blood plasma, and intestinal lymph.

The substance is produced by many tissues of the body, but 4/5 of the total volume is synthesized by the liver. It also receives most of the substance used with food. Cholesterol is present in various tissues, but most of all (1/5 of the total volume) is mainly found in the spinal cord and brain, being part of the membranes of the membranes that cover the nerve cells and processes located there.

In addition to maintaining the structure of membranes and the strength of the cell, its ability to survive, cholesterol actively participates in many internal processes occurring in the body:

• takes part in the synthesis of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3);
• protects intracellular structures from free radicals;
• growing children need it for the full development of the nervous system and brain;
• starts the progesterone production chain, the subsequent transformations of which lead to the production of hormones responsible for the development of sexual characteristics and maturation;
• the liver uses it to produce bile;
• participates in the protection of red blood cells from hemolytic poisons;
• helps regulate cell permeability.

Click on the picture to see it in full size.

• the production of steroid hormones of the adrenal cortex, estrogens and androgens decreases;
• in men, there is a decline in sexual activity;
• women often have amenorrhea;
• osteoporosis often develops;
• develops depression, aggressive behavior, suicidal tendencies, melancholy, especially in old age;
• intellectual abilities decrease.

In the blood, cholesterol is carried by complex proteins with lipids in the composition (lipoproteins). About a fifth of it is transferred high density lipoproteins (HDL), easily moving through the blood and not clogging the arteries.

And here low density lipoproteins (LDL) carry about 65% of the substance and, presumably, they are related to diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

A useful video about bad and good cholesterol in a blood test for a lipid profile, as well as its role in the body:

Normal level in babies and adults: table by age

Medium the need for an adult per day - 1.5 g, regardless of the source of intake (internal or external), approximately 2/3 is synthesized by the body and only the remaining third is obtained from food.

Table of norms of cholesterol in the blood by age in children, adult women and men:

Before menopause, thanks to the hormone estrogen, women have lower levels of total cholesterol compared to men. But as estrogen production declines during menopause, women gradually compare to men in terms of estrogen levels in the blood.

Reasons for fluctuating cholesterol test results

What affects blood cholesterol? The concentration of a substance in the blood serum depends on:

• the presence of cholesterol received with food and bile in the ileum;
• its concentration in the gallbladder;
• activity of biosynthesis of substances;
• the rate of its entry with bile into the duodenum.

• heredity;
• hypodynamia;
• smoking;
• obesity;
• the presence of certain diseases (for example, hypothyroidism and diabetes);
• stress.

Reasons for lowering cholesterol:

• this is mainly taking pharmaceuticals that lead to a decrease in the concentration of a substance in the blood (for example, estrogens);
• blood poisoning;
• hyperthyroidism;
• restricted diet;
• low-fat carbohydrate diet;
• heredity;
• tuberculosis;
• severe burns;
• poor digestibility of food.

Association with heart and vascular diseases

The Framingham Heart Study, which lasted more than 65 years, helped in its time to establish the main factors in the development of heart and vascular diseases, in which three generations of the subjects participated. Early reports have shown that with an increase in cholesterol (CHC) in the blood to the upper limit the norm increases (coronary heart disease) twice as compared with those who have this indicator less by about 1.0 mmol / l. And this is true for all ages.

Blood cholesterol was found to be quite a useful marker for predicting the possibility of developing coronary artery disease. Elevated at a young age, the level of LDL-C reflects the likelihood of developing coronary artery disease in adulthood. The development of atherosclerosis also begins with the same deviations.

And vice versa - the higher the level of HDL cholesterol, the less susceptibility to coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis. By and large, the amount of the substance in the blood is not so important as the ratio of LDL and HDL.

When and why additional studies are assigned

The main indicators for conducting a blood test for the presence of cholesterol are liver problems, obesity, endocrine, kidney and pancreatic diseases, and cardiovascular diseases.

If an abnormal content of a substance is found in the blood, the reasons for the deviation should be looked for and an examination should be carried out for the presence of diseases:

• Thyroid hormone analysis- with its hyperfunction, the level of cholesterol in the blood is much lower than normal, and with hypofunction it is much higher.
• The level of magnesium salts in blood plasma- the indicator is inversely proportional to the content of cholesterol.

  An imbalance of magnesium can indicate hyper- or hypothyroidism, pancreatitis, dehydration, kidney failure, and a number of other diseases.

• With a lack of the female sex hormone estradiol cholesterol levels rise and vice versa. An imbalance of the hormone may indicate infertility, PMS, osteoporosis, underdevelopment of the genital organs, the threat of abortion.

The opinion about the dangers of cholesterol has already been recognized as incorrect, but this idea is hardly making its way to the minds of people, because it is beneficial to food manufacturers.

Meanwhile the body needs this substance, especially in childhood and adolescence- without it, bones will not grow and vitamin D will not be synthesized, and cells will be poorly protected from free radicals. If the body maintains a balance of bad (LDL) and good (HDL) cholesterol, then it is not threatened with heart disease, blood vessels and other problems.

This video goes into detail about the myths and reality about cholesterol-containing foods:

Knowing what cholesterol rate is considered healthy in babies and adult women and men of different ages, you can easily control the content of “good” and the amount of “bad” so that the indicators in the blood test remain at the optimal level.