High density lipoproteins, called "good" cholesterol, are produced in the liver. HDL cholesterol slows the development of atherosclerosis. It removes bad cholesterol from all cells, including those responsible for the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
The study of HDL values is an integral part of the main preventive and therapeutic measures aimed at lowering blood lipids.
HDL and LDL
HDL cholesterol is produced in the liver. It arises as a particle, consisting mainly of protein, is transported by blood to all tissues and “takes” lipids from them. “Taken” cholesterol is transported to the liver, where it becomes part of bile. Thanks to this mechanism, the body gets rid of excess fat.
LDL is a lipoprotein made up primarily of fats. It is responsible for excess cholesterol in the tissues, as well as for the formation of atherosclerosis. Consequently, HDL particles act opposite to LDL particles.
"Good" Cholesterol - Protective Effect
High density lipoproteins slow the development of atherosclerosis. In addition, they have an antioxidant effect, which is the removal of free radicals that cause damage to the LDL molecule. Damage to LDL particles causes their prolonged occurrence in the blood, which contributes to the formation of atherosclerosis. HDL inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory particles in the vessel. This limits the inflammatory processes in it. HDL molecules activate the regenerative potential of vascular lining cells. That is, they have an effect:
- anti-sclerotic;
- antioxidant;
- anticoagulants;
- anti-inflammatory.
What reduces the concentration of HDL?
If high density lipoprotein cholesterol is lowered, this leads to adverse health effects. A gradual deprivation of the body of the mechanism that regulates the level of general lipid balance occurs.
Factors Reducing High Density Lipoproteins:
- poor nutrition - high in animal fats, calories; low consumption of vegetables, fruits, fiber;
- smoking cigarettes;
- lack of physical activity;
- used drugs - oral contraceptives, androgens, beta-blockers; used for heart disease, thiazides;
- additional diseases: obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, nephrotic syndrome, chronic renal failure.
These are basically the same factors that cause an increase in LDL levels. Therefore, a change in diet, increased physical activity, smoking cessation, appropriate treatment of concomitant diseases should become the basis in the treatment of any lipid metabolism disorder. Improving the lifestyle is also necessary because there is still no effective drug that raises the level of HDL in the blood. Medications can help reduce the concentration of LDL fractions.
HDL cholesterol and cardiovascular disease
The concentration of "good" cholesterol below the limit values is synonymous with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
These include:
- arterial hypertension - pressure above 140/90 mm Hg. st .;
- coronary artery disease, myocardial ischemia and insufficient oxygen supply. There is a restriction in physical performance, chest pain, myocardial infarction may occur;
- cerebral stroke - can lead to paresis of the limbs, muscle paralysis, limitation in normal functioning;
- renal ischemia, which is enhanced with hypertension;
- lower limb ischemia leads to pain in the limbs and difficulty walking.
Low HDL cholesterol
The lower the concentration of HDL, the higher the risk of the above diseases. Cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death (after cancer) in highly developed countries. It should be borne in mind that a change in lifestyle after the occurrence of heart and vascular diseases can lead to a significant improvement in the well-being of the patient and a decrease in certain symptoms. If high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is increased , the development of atherosclerosis is inhibited and even the size of atherosclerotic plaques decreases. If you combine this with appropriate pharmacological treatment and a decrease in LDL, you can achieve a really good therapeutic effect. And the risk, for example, of repeated myocardial infarction, will decrease.
Indications for the study of lipid profile
High density lipoproteins are studied in the presence of any of the risk factors for diseases of the cardiovascular system, as well as the coexistence of diseases such as:
- diabetes;
- coronary artery disease;
- cerebrovascular disease;
- blood flow disorders in peripheral vessels;
- hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
The study is part of primary health prevention. This means that such a test should be performed in every healthy person at least once every 5 years. Standardly, four parameters are indicated in the aggregate in the study:
- total cholesterol level;
- LDL fractions;
- HDL fractions;
- triglycerides.
Preparation and methodology for the study of lipid profile
To examine HDL cholesterol in the blood, the patient needs to prepare for the test in advance. This is the use of a regular diet about 3 weeks before the study. Overeating should also be avoided, as well as reducing or changing typical eating habits. You should also take drugs that affect lipid metabolism, and completely abandon alcohol.
Immediately before taking a blood sample for examination, the patient should refrain from eating food for 12-14 hours. Avoid intense physical exertion, and in case of illness or infection, the study should be postponed for 3 weeks.
After taking venous blood samples in plasma by enzymatic method (using esterase and oxidase), “good” cholesterol is indicated. High density lipoproteins (HDL) are noted in mg / dl or in mmol / l.
High Density Lipoproteins - Normal
The normal level of the fraction of “good” cholesterol is determined by gender and is:
- not less than 40 mg / dl in men;
- not less than 50 mg / dl in women.
Interpretation of research results
In the case of an incorrect HDL level, an increased level of LDL and triglycerides also coexists.
You should know that diet is always the first recommended form of treatment. with the restriction of animal fats and lifestyle changes, and only then drugs are used.
Used pharmaceutical products are fibrates and nicotinic acid.
The first control study of lipids in the blood should not be performed earlier than after 4 weeks after the start of therapy. The optimal treatment assessment occurs after 3 months.
It is worth remembering that there are certain conditions, including completely physiological ones, which are associated with a change in the level of HDL fraction:
- concentration may be increased in the case of regular physical training;
- moderate alcohol consumption, mainly red wine;
- the use of hormone therapy with estrogens.
A decrease in concentration occurs:
- in some genetically determined diseases, such as familial caused HDL deficiency;
- in patients with diabetes;
- in people with metabolic syndrome;
- with obesity.
Diet - rules of use
What to do if high density lipoproteins are below normal? How to increase the level of HDL and lower the concentration of LDL in the blood using a diet?
The rules of a balanced diet include:
- providing the appropriate amount of energy to the body, along with regular meals throughout the day;
- the consumption of servings of colorful seasonal fruits and vegetables at each meal - preferably in an amount of at least 1 kg per day;
- the inclusion of fiber sources, for example, grain products, in the diet provides the body with vitamin B6 important in the prevention of heart disease ;
- drinking at least 6 glasses of liquid per day - non-carbonated mineral water, green and white teas and vegetable juices;
- consumption of products that are the source of phytosterol;
- refusal from frying, steaming, stewing and baking without fat.
Products that increase the level of HDL in the body
High density lipoproteins can be increased in the blood, if you include the following products in the daily menu:
- Nuts - contain beneficial fatty acids, which increase the level of "good" cholesterol. Moreover, their regular consumption can improve the ratio of HDL to LDL.
- Cranberries and juices from it favorably affect the cardiovascular system. Based on clinical studies, it is known that in the body of people who consume cranberry juice every day, the level of "good" cholesterol increases.
- Garlic has a beneficial effect on the human immune system, increases its resistance to disease. In addition, eating three cloves of garlic every day can significantly increase the level of “good” cholesterol.
- Dark chocolate - based on clinical studies, it is known that people who regularly consume dark chocolate undergo a lipid profile improvement. Moreover, it was noted that the presence of chocolate in the diet can affect the increase in HDL levels.
- Red wine, consumed daily in an amount of 250 ml, can lead to an increase in the level of "good" cholesterol. Of course, it is worth remembering not to exceed this amount, since excess alcohol has, in turn, a negative effect on health.
- Olive oil is a product rich in essential fatty acids that are beneficial to the body. Olive oil is a great addition to various salads.
In the diet, you need to limit the intake of sugar, sweets, sweet sodas and processed foods. You should not consume too often foods that are a source of saturated acids that are present in fatty meats, dairy products, butter, sour cream.