Quite often, a family doctor (or a physician of another specialty) prescribes a blood test for cholesterol. This indicator, along with the level of sugar in the blood serum, is especially relevant for patients who are over 45 years old. However, not every one of us understands what cholesterol is and why it is in the body. In our article, we will try to understand: what is this compound, what is the norm of cholesterol in the blood.
What is cholesterol
Cholesterol, or, as it is more correctly called, cholesterol is a lipid (fat),
which is important for the functioning of the body. This important role is due to its entry into the composition of cell membranes. It is the basic compound from which steroid and sex hormones are synthesized. Moreover, such an important role of cholesterol is characteristic not only of the human body, but also of animals and some plants.
Literally, the name of this compound consists of two words: "chole" - bile and "steros" - solid. This name is due to the high concentration of this substance in bile, as well as the ability to easily form a precipitate, which is the initial manifestation of atherosclerosis.
The value of cholesterol for the body
First of all, it is worth noting the important role of cholesterol as a structural element of cell membranes. It provides sustainability and selective
permeability of the cell membrane to various, both useful and
harmful substances. Cholesterol is the basic basis for steroid and sex hormones (cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone, testosterone). Cholesterol is an integral part of bile and is involved in the transport of fatty acids to the liver as part of chylomicrons. The formation of vitamin D is stimulated by sunlight, as well as enough cholesterol in the blood. Nerve fibers, and in particular the compound - sphingomyelin, are synthesized in the body in sufficient quantities in the presence of cholesterol.
Transport forms
Circulation of cholesterol in the blood can be carried out as part of 3 types of lipoproteins. Lipoprotein literally translates as "fat protein", is a special transport component that is synthesized in the liver.
Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) transfer fatty acids, glycerin, cholesterol to adipose tissue and all organs. This name is due to the relatively small percentage of cholesterol in the carrier protein with the predominance of simple lipids. After lipoproteins reach these tissues, an exchange of fatty acids occurs, and the relative proportion of cholesterol in the carrier increases. Therefore, it is called low density lipoprotein (LDL), as it is more “heavy” in molecular weight. This form is the most dangerous and is called "bad cholesterol." The rate of development of atherosclerosis with all the ensuing complications depends on its quantity and time of circulation in the bloodstream. Peculiar antidote proteins are
high density lipoproteins (HDL), which contain specific compounds, which allows them to capture cholesterol. They carry cholesterol back to the liver, from where it is excreted as part of bile.
Another important component is triglycerides, or the already mentioned fatty acids. Their concentration, although not so much affects the development of atherosclerosis, but is important in the development of lipomatosis (lipid degeneration of internal organs).
What is the norm of cholesterol in the blood
After examining the patient, the doctor usually gives a direction to the lipid profile. This examination includes the indicators described above and allows you to determine the likelihood and progressive development of atherosclerosis.
Fasting blood test. The rate of cholesterol for women and men is the same and ranges from 3.6 to 6.2 mmol / L. Under such conditions, the likelihood of developing atherosclerotic plaques is minimal. For a more accurate assessment, the table of blood cholesterol is indicated below, which allows you to navigate in small fluctuations of this indicator depending on age.
If the level of cholesterol in your blood exceeds the value of 6.2 mmol / l, then they speak of moderately high cholesterol. If the blood test shows 7.8 mmol / L or more, this is a very high level.
What is the norm of blood cholesterol for patients who have had a heart attack or stroke? The European Atherosclerosis Society recommends lowering the upper limit to 5.2 mmol / L.
Indicators of lipid profile are included in the biochemical analysis and show the level of cholesterol in the blood. The rate of cholesterol-containing transport proteins is listed below.
| Indicator | Normative value |
| VLDL | 1-1.5 g / l |
| LDL | less than 4 mmol / l |
| HDL | 0.7-1.7 mmol / L |
| Triglycerides | less than 200 mg / dl |
The rate of blood cholesterol in men is a very important indicator that you need to know and maintain within acceptable limits in order to prevent stroke or myocardial infarction.
Causes of High Cholesterol
Several factors can raise the bar of cholesterol in the blood:
- an unbalanced diet containing foods rich in cholesterol (fatty meats, red meat, hard cheeses, lard, confectionery products and others);
- lack of exercise or limited mobility contributes to the accumulation of fats and cholesterol in the blood and tissues. Increased activity or physical work contribute to the "burning" of fat and a decrease in cholesterol concentration;
- being overweight is not only a provocateur of many diseases, but also contributes to an increase in LDL and triglycerides in the blood;
- bad habits (smoking and alcohol) contribute to changes in the vascular wall, which becomes more sensitive to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques;
- some diseases. This group includes diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, kidney disease and hypothyroidism;
- genetic predisposition. Medicine knows 4 forms of lipid metabolism pathology, which are called dyslipoproteinemias. With such violations, there is insufficient synthesis of HDL and excessive formation of LDL, which provokes an increase in cholesterol;
- influence of age and gender. Men are more likely to have high blood cholesterol. The rate of the indicator increases slightly with age.
How does an increase in cholesterol
No specific or specific typical symptoms are observed in such a patient. To measure blood cholesterol, you need to donate blood from a vein for a biochemical analysis. Increased cholesterol in the blood can indicate the development of angina pectoris, the appearance of atherosclerosis, the occurrence of ischemic disorders of the brain, the appearance and increase in size of xanthomas and xanthelasm, which are deposits of neutral fat in certain areas of the skin.
The risks of high cholesterol
The greatest risk is associated with the cardiovascular system. High levels of cholesterol in the blood cause the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on the inner surface of blood vessels. Over time, such formations increase in size and can overlap the lumen of the vessels. Then there is a clinical picture of atherosclerosis, which most often affects the wall of the arteries of the lower extremities, brain and heart. In case of obliterating disease with localization on the lower extremities, patients note coldness and numbness of the feet, a decrease in the duration of walking, and the appearance of trophic skin changes. A maintained norm of blood cholesterol in men prevents the occurrence of this pathology. If the heart is affected, then angina pectoris develops first, and subsequently myocardial infarction may occur. With damage to the vessels of the brain , the risk of a stroke increases, which is quite difficult to treat.
Treating High Cholesterol
Traditional medicine identifies several groups of drugs that are aimed at inhibiting the synthesis and absorption of cholesterol. These drugs are mostly statins. These compounds block a special enzyme, HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a major role in cholesterol synthesis. Drugs can be purchased at
any pharmacy and at various prices, which depends on the manufacturer. The most common are simvastatin and atorvastatin. Aspirin at a dose of 75-100 mg has the ability to thin the blood and thus reduces the possibility of plaque formation. Drugs to reduce triglycerides are aimed at inhibiting the absorption of fats in the intestine or contribute to their removal from the body. They are less effective compared to statins, and are used as additional funds (fibrates, guar acid). Niacin (or its other name, Vitamin B3) will help lower the concentration of LDL in the blood and slightly improve vascular tone.
Drugs for the treatment of hypertension play a secondary role and are used to prevent plaque separation and the development of serious complications - heart attack and stroke, which is especially true for the strong half of humanity. The norm of blood cholesterol in men will help prevent the occurrence of the above complications.
Diet
For such patients, the doctor recommends diet No. 10c according to Pevzner. It provides for the reduction of easily digestible carbohydrates and animal fats, limits consumption
salts and nitrogenous extractives. It is recommended to enrich the diet with the so-called lipotropic compounds and essential fatty acids, fiber, and seafood. Food is taken 5-6 times a day. It is necessary to completely exclude products from pastry, cakes, fatty meats, sausages, canned goods, smoked meats. Fatty fish, egg yolks, rice, legumes and broths are also undesirable. Fans of sweets should significantly limit the use of creams, ice creams, and chocolate products.
Cholesterol Control Plants
The greatest activity against "bad cholesterol" is Caucasian dioscorea. The drug on its basis - “Polypanin” helps to normalize the lipid spectrum of the blood while following a diet. Also, cholesterol in human blood can be reduced: black elderberry, silver cinquefoil, erect and goose, elecampane, hawthorn, motherwort, calamus. Garlic-based products also have anti-atherogenic effects. Most often in pharmacies you can find "Alistat", which is taken 1 tablet 2 times a day. The rate of cholesterol in the blood in men can be maintained by following a diet and one or two herbal preparations with anti-atherogenic effect.