In
the blood plasma of any person you can always find total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, as well as one or more specific proteins inherent in each specific organism. Among this list, many are concerned, of course, with cholesterol, which, in fact, makes up the lipid spectrum of the blood. Doctors divide it into lipoproteins of different density levels (high, low and very low). From the point of view of the chemical structure, lipoproteins are protein-fat compounds that can dissolve in water and consist of cholesterol, proteins and phospholipids proper.
What are lipoproteins of various density levels?
To be afraid of a person is lipoproteins of very low density, which the liver produces, it is they that can cause atherosclerosis. Low density lipoproteins account for approximately 60 to 70 percent of the total cholesterol. This group of lipoproteins is capable of causing various cardiovascular diseases. But they are not so bad, they, like transport, carry lipids in the peripheral blood. The most useful are high-density lipoproteins, they are the ones that guard the body and protect it from the development of atherosclerosis. These lipoproteins transport cholesterol from tissues back to the liver, where bile is then formed from it. The higher this fraction of lipoproteins, the less likely a person to get atherosclerosis.
Note
The blood lipid spectrum, which should be directly controlled, includes low and high density lipoproteins. It is on their balance that the degree of risk of developing heart and vascular diseases depends. After all, if cholesterol becomes larger, it is worth fighting with it. But do not be zealous, because this is also a useful substance that is spent by the body on the construction of cell walls, bile is produced from it, which helps break down fats. Surprisingly, hormones, steroid and sexual, are synthesized from cholesterol. That is why it is important to control the lipid spectrum and monitor the ratio of different groups of lipoproteins.
When is it worth to pass the analysis?
You should think about donating blood with the development of symptoms of atherosclerosis, diseases related to the heart, for example, coronary disease or heart attack. And also when there are problems with the liver and kidneys, endocrine diseases such as diabetes mellitus or decreased thyroid function. Deciphering the lipid spectrum becomes possible with blood donation, from which plasma is then extracted. It is she who will talk about the ratio of "good" and "bad" lipoproteins in humans.
Blood should be taken on an empty stomach, should pass at least 14 hours from the last meal. A day before the proposed study, it is better to completely abandon fats in the diet, then the analysis will be much more accurate. You can use tea, juice, but tobacco will have to be abandoned for a while.
In search of the norm
Having received the analysis on hand, it is worth interpreting it correctly, and a specialist can do it. But even a simple layman can cleverly understand the answer received from the laboratory. If it says that
high density lipoproteins are raised
, and low and very low are within normal limits, then it’s worth rejoicing that just such an analysis was presented: the lipid spectrum in it is simply in perfect condition. If low density lipoproteins went beyond the lower limits of the norm, then, most likely, the transport
function of lipids is impaired in the body
. But if the indicator of low and very low density lipoproteins exceeds the indicator of 3.37 mmol / l, then you should not wait, the risk of developing atherosclerosis is quite high, and you need to fight mercilessly with it.
An increase in the lipoprotein index can be a serious cause of the development of coronary heart disease, especially if this indicator has crossed the 4.14 mmol / L mark. A cardiologist will help reduce atherogenic factors and thereby align the lipid spectrum. The norms of various fractions of cholesterol can vary depending on gender and age, and they are different in each period of life. The doctor also takes this into account when making a diagnosis and prescribing treatment.
Proper nutrition
An important factor that affects the lipid spectrum of blood plasma is nutrition. It is on the fact that a person is, and the predominance of certain lipoproteins depends. Of course, it’s worth absorbing fats, the body cannot live without them, and problems can arise on the hormonal level, but in nutrition, as in any other business, the most important thing is not to overdo it. Food is a burden on the body, and periodically it should give rest. This rest can be a fasting day, it is very useful when the body receives only vegetables and fruits, as well as
freshly squeezed juices throughout the day
. It is best to do such days no more than once a week, during the fasting day the body will be able to use up its own cholesterol reserves.
Prevention will not hurt
You can check your lipid spectrum simply for the purpose of prevention. In this case, it will become known for certain whether it is worth worrying about the risk of developing atherosclerosis or not. The doctor prescribes the analysis, but the patient himself, turning to a private laboratory, can easily pass it. That's only for interpretation and help, it is best to contact a specialist and get professional advice.