Cholesterol - what is it in the blood? Not everyone knows this. It performs various functions. Its presence in the body is not evidence of a disease. There is no need to refuse products containing this element, mistakenly believing that it is extremely harmful to health.
Cholesterol performs important functions that are necessary for the normal functioning of all organs. So, through the element under consideration, a layer is created that protects the cell, the substance gives strength to its membrane, contributes to the normal functioning of enzymes.
Why is it necessary
Cholesterol - what is it in the blood? Many do not even represent the value of this substance. This element is a fatty alcohol containing from one to three hydroxyl groups. The literal translation of the term means “hard bile”. It was first discovered in gallstones.
20% of total cholesterol in the body comes from consumed products, and the rest is synthesized by organs: adrenal glands, liver, and sex glands.
In blood, this formation moves in the form of a compound, since it does not dissolve either in water or in blood. Cholesterol is used to form other, more complex compounds, or as a building material for cells.
This substance is distinguished with low and high density. The latter type is the key to good health, and the first negatively affects the work of organs. The advancement of cholesterol in the blood involves a combination of these types and their specific ratio.
In general, the volume of the two species should be the required rate. If it is exceeded, it will lead to vascular diseases and, as a consequence, cardiac pathology. At the same time, low blood cholesterol can be dangerous. A kind of balance is needed.
Positive functions in the body
What is it in the blood - cholesterol, and why is it needed, some do not even guess. He is a direct participant in all the processes that constantly occur in the body. Among the most important are:
- promotes digestion, as it is involved in the process of fat absorption;
- without cholesterol, the process of eliminating toxic substances from the body is impossible;
- takes part in the regulation of enzymes;
- stabilizes the adrenal glands;
- promotes the production of bile necessary for the digestion of food;
- cholesterol is necessary for normal metabolism;
- the formation of vitamin D is impossible without the element in question;
- strengthens cell walls;
- improves memory, mental abilities;
- prevents the formation of plaques on the walls of blood vessels and the appearance of atherosclerosis.
Thus, cholesterol must be present in the body, but normal. Any deviation up or down can lead to various diseases.
Negative sides
At the same time, considering what it is - cholesterol in the blood and what it does, it should be remembered that the high content of this element with a low density contributes to its growth on the walls of blood vessels. As a result, plaques are formed that interfere with the normal movement of blood.
Consequently, the flow of oxygen and the necessary useful elements to all organs, including the heart, is disrupted. That is, blood due to narrow gaps in the vessels does not sufficiently flow to some parts of the heart. As a result of such formations, ischemic heart disease, heart attack, stroke develops.
In addition, plaques contribute to the formation of blood clots, which can come off or completely block the artery, which poses a threat to life. It is also necessary to consider that the vessels lose their elasticity, therefore, they can burst at high pressure.
Internal signs of increased content
An increase in blood pressure is the first sign of an increase in cholesterol. For advanced hypertension, pain in the area of the left shoulder blade, arm, chest is characteristic, the heartbeat becomes frequent. Patients feel constant fatigue without physical exertion, possibly suffocation and complications in the form of thrombosis, ischemia, heart attack.
The muscles of the legs atrophy, the patient begins to limp. With any load, walking, running, pain occurs, ulcers appear, fingers on the lower extremities go numb. Gangrene is possible.
Pathological changes in the brain are characteristic. Nerve cells, as a result of insufficient circulation of blood in the vessels, undergo deformation. The first stage of the development of the disease is characterized by low working capacity, frequent headaches, memory impairment. If the necessary treatment is not taken in a timely manner, then the disease becomes chronic, the symptoms worsen. The patient often and completely unreasonably changes his mood, appears unreasonable aggressiveness. In some cases, speech becomes disconnected. Against this background, pathological changes in the work of the brain appear.
Inherent disturbances in the work of the lungs. The first signs of painful changes in this organ appear at a late stage, since at the beginning of the development of the disease no changes are observed. The disease is characterized by shortness of breath, a persistent cough, the skin color changes, acquiring a pale blue tint. As a result of the lack of oxygen supply, the cervical veins increase.
Cholesterol plaques affect the artery of the abdominal region, as a result of which the blood circulation of the legs, digestive system, and kidneys is disturbed. Blood does not have the ability to supply the right amount of oxygen to these organs, since the aorta is damaged, has a small internal lumen. Gases, abdominal pain, heartburn are formed. The patient can rapidly lose weight.
To eliminate the serious consequences of thrombosis, timely treatment is necessary. In addition to these ailments, liver diseases, increased glucose in the blood content, and obesity are possible.
External signs
Not only internal symptoms, but also external signs indicate an elevated cholesterol level:
- A yellowish adipose forms on the skin of the eyelids.
- On the elbows, fingers appear larger fat formations, up to 4 cm in size.
- On the eye cornea you can see a white or grayish-tinged arc.
- White bumps appear under the skin, in the area of tendons, the sole of the legs, palms.
Cholesterol for women
The amount of cholesterol for women is:
- normal in the range from 3.59 to 5.19 mmol;
- permissible increased from 5.19 to 6.20 units;
- over 6.20 millimole levels are considered significant.
The indicated level is not a constant. It varies with age. That is, the rate of cholesterol in the blood at 60 years old differs from that at 30 years. This can be seen from the table. It presents the norm of cholesterol in the blood.
Table by age in women.
Age | Cholesterol |
From 24 years to 30 years | 3.30-5.70 |
From 30 years to 36 | 3.36-5.94 |
36 to 40 years old | 3.60-6.20 |
From 40 to 45 | 3.65-6.64 |
46 to 50 years old | 3.90-6.80 |
50 to 55 years old | 4.19-7.37 |
55 to 60 years old | 4.44-7.76 |
60 to 65 years old | 4.46-7.68 |
65 to 70 years old | 4.42-7.84 |
70 years and older | 4.47-7.23 |
This data is very important to know. Above is the norm of blood cholesterol in women by age. The patient is protected from plaques before the onset of a menstrual pause due to the produced hormone, which is directly associated with this substance. If the hormonal background decreases, then the level of cholesterol rises. After a pause, the female body is most susceptible to angina pectoris, coronary artery disease.
For men
In connection with the change in the hormonal background and the restructuring of the body, the cholesterol level in the male half also changes.
The norm is an indicator from 3.5 to 5.19 mmol. If at 25 years of age its content varies from 3.43 mmol to 6.30, then by the age of 50 these numbers increase - 4.10-7.16 mmol.
Experts recommend checking the amount of this substance with a frequency of 1 time in 5 years. Men are more susceptible to cholesterol growth regardless of lifestyle or diet. Studies have shown that, starting at age 25, it is necessary to regularly check its level.
Determination methods
Laboratory testing of blood composition provides for various methods. The amount of cholesterol can be checked in any hospital, it is enough to donate blood for cholesterol.
At home, it is also possible to conduct a similar study using a special household appliance. To do this, make a small puncture in the finger and attach it to a strip treated with a special substance. The device will show the necessary information.
Reasons for the increase
The causes of high cholesterol in the blood can be different. These include existing diseases, gender and age. This disease affects not only people in their age, but also young people, especially those who have bad habits.
For men and women, cholesterol levels increase with age. Pathology can occur as a result of malnutrition and malnutrition, lack of exercise, medical treatment. For women, the condition in question may also be associated with pregnancy.
If there are diseases of the liver, kidneys, pancreas, sugar is elevated, it is recommended to regularly take an analysis to determine the level of this substance in the body.
One of the main reasons if blood cholesterol is elevated is obesity. In all those involved in sports, mobile and active, blood circulates quickly, and fat does not have time to be deposited, it breaks down. And in inactive people, the blood becomes thicker.
The disease is not inherited, but the predisposition is determined at the genetic level. Therefore, if the next of kin had such a problem, then you should pay attention to your health status in a timely manner.
Some drugs can increase cholesterol. These include diuretics, hormones. If a causal relationship is established, these funds must be abolished and replaced with more benign ones.
Effective treatments
It is possible to normalize high blood cholesterol in women and men with medications. However, some folk remedies are in no way inferior to them in efficiency and at the same time do not have side effects.
If cholesterol has increased, then this is an occasion to think about your diet. First of all, it is necessary to abandon products containing animal fats, smoked, refined, sausages manufactured industrially, dyes, instant coffee.
It is recommended to eat fiber, plant foods, fish. You need to diversify your menu with low-fat cottage cheese, milk, vegetables, seaweed, fruit and vegetable juices, berries.
The use of flax seeds
In addition to the diet, there are many other means that cleanse blood vessels of plaques, destroying them and removing them from the blood. Flax seeds are the most demanded in this disease. They contain acids that act directly on cholesterol formations.
One of the recipes is this. Flaxseeds are ground until a powder is formed, which is daily consumed, one tablespoon each, before breakfast, washed down with water. The course of treatment depends on the degree of the disease and the characteristics of the body, but on average is four months.
Other options
Lemons in combination with garlic and honey lower well the level of bad cholesterol. Practice has confirmed the effectiveness of the treatment with juices from fresh vegetables or fruits, especially a mixture of carrot and celery juice in a ratio of 2: 1, beet and apple. However, a number of precautions and recommendations for use must be observed. This is especially true for those who have stomach problems, allergies, kidney disease.
Oats removes "bad" cholesterol, preventing its deposition on the walls of blood vessels. Use as an infusion, three times a day, two hundred grams. The course of treatment is designed for a month.
The bee product - propolis cleanses the body at the cellular level, eliminating the content of fatty alcohol. This substance prevents heart disease, cleanses blood vessels. You can use this product directly without impurities and additives, but tinctures based on it with alcohol and milk are also useful.
Prevention
In the fight against atherosclerosis, not only diets, wholesome foods and alternative methods of treatment will help, but also sports, morning exercises, walks in the fresh air. The level of mobility depends on age.
It is necessary to get rid of smoking and excessive drinking. These habits destroy blood vessels, adversely affect their elasticity and contribute to the formation of plaques. Narrowed passages in the vessels cause an increase in blood pressure. Cholesterol is necessary for the body, but its amount should be normal. Any deviation will negatively affect health.