Cholesterol (another name is cholesterol) is a fat-soluble compound found in the cells of most living organisms except prokaryotes. In the human body, it can be contained both in a free and in a bound state. Its function is to ensure the stability and integrity of cell membranes, participation in the synthesis of vitamin D. Cholesterol is vital for the production of hormones - in particular, produced by the adrenal glands. However, it should be borne in mind: in the blood of a person there are several fractions of it, the so-called lipoproteins, their properties differ significantly.
High density lipoproteins (HDL) are compounds that are not prone to sediment formation. This is the so-called “good”, alpha-cholesterol: due to its anti-atherogenic (preventing the development of atherosclerosis) properties, it significantly reduces the likelihood of cardiovascular disease. In order for "good" cholesterol to "work" and their prevention to be carried out, its content in the blood should be quite high - 1.55 mmol / l. Its low content means an increased risk of atherosclerosis, especially in combination with an increase in the level of LDL (abbreviated as "low density lipoproteins") - this is an alarming sign.
Low density lipoproteins are complex compounds whose increase in blood levels is dangerous to human health. For the same reason, LDL cholesterol is also called "bad": it is a large number of these lipoproteins that are associated with the development of atherosclerosis and IHD. The optimal level of this fraction in the blood is up to 3.4 mmol / l. If it is higher than the above figures, there is a danger to human health. Indicators of total cholesterol, including both “bad” and “good,” should normally not exceed 5.2 mmol / L. With its amount up to 6.2 mmol / l, experts speak of a moderate risk state, and above the indicated value - a serious risk of dangerous heart and vascular diseases.
With a slight deviation from the norm, LDL cholesterol can be slightly reduced with a special diet and lifestyle changes. Thus, trans fats should be excluded from the diet and sugar intake reduced. LDL cholesterol is often higher than normal in smokers, as well as those who move a little, overeat and are overweight. Therefore, you should give up bad habits, regularly do physical exercises and do not eat more than the body needs.
Vegetable oils, more precisely, the phytosterols (plant sterols) contained in them, as well as Omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in sardines and salmon fish species, also help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL). A good effect is also obtained by eating bran and plant foods rich in fiber: legumes, vegetables (in particular, eggplant).
If, despite all efforts, LDL is still elevated, the doctor may prescribe medication. To reduce the level, drugs called statins (Krestor, Lipitor, Mevacor and others) are traditionally used. These drugs stabilize the balance of HDL and LDL, the norm of which in the blood is clearly defined, significantly reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. They are selected in each case individually, depending on the level of total cholesterol in the blood and each of its fractions, as well as the patient’s chronic diseases.
In conclusion, it can be noted that the imbalance of “good” and “bad” cholesterol is not the only factor leading to atherosclerosis. Often this disease develops in those individuals whose cholesterol levels are normal. Nevertheless, an increase in LDL levels, especially in combination with obesity and / or diabetes mellitus, creates the prerequisites for serious diseases, therefore, it is dangerous for the patient and needs to be adjusted.