The rate of cholesterol is that. What is the highest cholesterol level? Cholesterol and physical activity

An organic compound related to lipids. It enters the body with food (the richest in them are meat, offal (liver, brains), egg yolk, chicken skin, fish roe), and is also synthesized in the liver. Normal blood total cholesterol levels range from 3.6 to 5.2 mmol / L. In the blood it is contained in lipoproteins. It is a necessary element in the synthesis of cell membranes and a material for the synthesis of sex hormones and corticosteroids. However, when the concentration is exceeded above 5.2 mmol / L, it begins to play an important role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis of the arteries, and when the level of 6.2 mmol / L is exceeded, the risk of developing atherosclerosis and related diseases becomes high.

Cholesterol is a naturally occurring fatty alcohol. This substance is essential for normal life. human body... Since cholesterol belongs to the class of alcohols, it is more correct to call it cholesterol, however, in Russian, both names are acceptable. Human health depends on the level of cholesterol. It is he who is the primary link in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which for this reason are also called cholesterol. In this article, we will analyze what bad and good cholesterol is, what leads to an increase in cholesterol levels and how dangerous this condition is, what to do to normalize it.

The total level of cholesterol in the blood is normally 3.6-6.0 mmol / l. However, according to medical statistics, today many adult men and women have high cholesterol, which negatively affects their health. At the same time in medicine it is customary to distinguish "good" cholesterol from "bad"; the latter is characterized by a low density and is able to combine with certain types of proteins called apoproteins, resulting in the formation of fat-protein complexes. "Bad" cholesterol, the norm of which should not exceed a certain threshold, is precisely the substance that leads to the appearance of cholesterol plaques on the walls of arteries.

According to medical statistics, cardiovascular diseases cause death of more than a million people in Russia every year, while the cause in the overwhelming majority of cases is high cholesterol, which leads to the development of atherosclerosis. 57% of all non-communicable diseases account for precisely problems with blood vessels and heart, while almost half of this number are in the category of the working-age population. Atherosclerosis that affects the vessels of the brain can lead to acute stroke, and in the case of the appearance of cholesterol plaques on the inner walls of the coronary arteries, the main problem is sudden death from myocardial infarction.

Cholesterol in women

While a woman is young, the metabolic processes in her body are faster, which prevents the level of cholesterol from rising to a dangerous limit for health. Even if a girl prefers fatty foods, which can cause high cholesterol, the body will efficiently process it for some time.

However, even in adolescence, blood cholesterol can be elevated, and this is mainly due to diseases such as diabetes, problems with the endocrine system and liver dysfunctions. In all these cases, to support the body, regular medical supervision and therapy appropriate to the patient's condition are required.

In women over thirty, the rate of cholesterol in the blood is slightly higher, since during this period the body's metabolism slows down, after 35 years it rises a little more. If a woman at this age smokes or regularly uses oral contraceptives, this additionally contributes to an increase in the level of this substance in the blood and the formation of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels. In addition, the body can no longer get rid of excess cholesterol that comes with heavy food so effectively, so women after 35 are advised to reconsider their diet.

At 40 years of age and beyond, the reproductive function of the female body decreases, as does the level of estrogen. Since estrogens are able to protect against high cholesterol, it is not surprising that cholesterol levels can rise further at this age. However, with normal health of a woman, sharp jumps in cholesterol should not be observed. But with the onset of menopause, in which there is much less estrogen in the body, the cholesterol level in women can rise sharply (however, this does not happen for everyone and depends on the individual characteristics of the body). In the future, due to age-related changes, the cholesterol norms for each age gradually become higher, while after 50, special attention should be paid to the low-density cholesterol indicator.

It is important to pay special attention to cholesterol indicators during the period, since a significant deviation from the norm (both in the direction of exceeding and too low indicators) can harm the health of the mother and the unborn child. Doctors say that an increase in cholesterol levels is normal for women who are carrying a child, and this is due to hormonal changes in the body, as well as changes in the intensity of lipid metabolism.

However, too much of the "bad" cholesterol in the blood can cause certain congenital pathologies of the cardiovascular system in a newborn, therefore, throughout the entire period of pregnancy, it is necessary to regularly take a biochemical blood test for cholesterol - at least three times. It is important to remember that it is impossible to completely exclude cholesterol from your diet, since if this leads to a critical decrease in the level of this substance, there is a high risk of premature birth. It is noted that the acceleration of fat metabolism and the increased ability of the adrenal glands to utilize cholesterol affect general indicator and the level of "bad" cholesterol, while the "good" HDL cholesterol remains virtually unchanged. After childbirth, the indicators gradually return to normal; this period will depend solely on the individual characteristics of the woman's body.

Cholesterol in men

As in the case of women, in adolescent men, the metabolism is more intense than in adulthood, so during this period cholesterol levels are significantly lower. The difference male body from the female is that the cardiovascular system of men does not have protection in the form of estrogens - female sex hormones. Therefore, in the same age period, the rate of cholesterol in men will be higher.

The rate of cholesterol in the blood in men increases over the years. Its balance depends on many factors, the main of which for most is malnutrition with a predominance of fatty and heavy foods in the diet. Smokers are identified as a separate risk group, since regular smoking shifts the balance of "bad" and "good" cholesterol: LDL levels rise and often cross the upper limit of the normal range, while HDL in the body becomes less. The development of atherosclerosis becomes much more likely after 40-55 years, cholesterol in men increases during this period, while a lot depends on the lifestyle.

Although high blood cholesterol is mainly observed in adults, children can also experience difficulties associated with an excess of this substance in the blood. The accumulation of plaque on the walls of the arteries, caused precisely by cholesterol, can begin in childhood, and already in adolescence this phenomenon can develop into full-fledged atherosclerotic plaques.

If the tests of one or both of the parents of the baby show high cholesterol, there is a high probability that this condition will be inherited and the child himself. The reason for the check may also be the overweight of the child and the premature death of a family member from diseases of the cardiovascular system. In order to check the compliance of the indicator with the age norm, a blood test for cholesterol is necessary, however, it is important to remember that this method is not done for children under the age of 2 years. If the analysis showed normal results, it should be repeated after about three years.

In addition to heredity, high cholesterol in children can be triggered by overweight, as well as diabetes and high blood pressure. Basically, to normalize cholesterol, non-drug methods of treatment are used, including correction of diet and lifestyle. If the child is 8 years old, the option of drug therapy may also be considered.

However, statins, which are prescribed for most adults, should only be used as a last resort for children, as they have a number of side effects. Instead, herbal remedies are recommended based on a substance called policosanol - a herbal remedy that is a mixture of alcohols and obtained from sugar cane. It has practically no side effects, which means it is more suitable for returning to normal blood cholesterol in children.

It is important to understand that cholesterol is still a necessary substance for the health of a child, and even its content in breast milk is extremely important for infants. The presence of cholesterol in breast milk provides favorable conditions for the development of the brain, therefore, it is not recommended to switch to mixtures in the first year of life - they practically do not contain cholesterol, which not only negatively affects the development nervous system, but also interferes with the production of certain hormones. Also, milk, rich in cholesterol, ensures the development and functioning of all other body systems - musculoskeletal, immune, reproductive.

The role of cholesterol in the human body

Cholesterol in the body performs not one, but several vital functions.

• It is part of the cell membrane, due to which it acquires strength, elasticity and at the same time remains permeable.
• Participates in the synthesis of cortisone, which is responsible for the metabolism and other steroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands; vitamin D, and also takes part in the regulation of the balance of phosphorus and calcium - substances on which the health of the entire human skeleton depends.
• Provides protection of red blood cells from the action of hemolytic poisons
• Takes part in the synthesis of sex hormones, undergoing a chain of sequential reactions.
• Plays a special role in the functioning of the nervous and immune systems.

Although cholesterol is a necessary component of the body, its excess leads to negative consequences. 80% of the total amount of cholesterol is synthesized in the body itself, while the process of production of this substance is mainly carried out in the liver, as well as in the walls of the small intestine. It is important to remember that "good" cholesterol is produced exclusively in the body and cannot be obtained from any food. The remaining 20%, necessary for the normal functioning of all organ systems, must be obtained from food, however, a passion for too heavy and fatty foods can significantly exceed this amount. At the same time, the initially excessive intake of cholesterol in the body is balanced by a decrease in the intensity of the production of this substance by the liver, and only prolonged consumption of dietary cholesterol can disrupt its balance in the body.

In human blood, cholesterol cannot be contained in pure form, since it is a water-insoluble substance. Therefore, it is in the body as the so-called lipoproteins - complex compounds of cholesterol with special proteins that perform a transport function. These transporter proteins are called apolipoproteins. Complex compounds of cholesterol are present in the body in several different forms:

• high molecular weight (high density lipoproteins)
• low molecular weight (low density lipoproteins)
• very low molecular weight (very low density lipoproteins)

"Good" cholesterol is represented by high density lipoproteins, that is, high molecular weight compounds; it accounts for a quarter to a third of all cholesterol in the body and protects against heart attacks. Indicated as HDL or HDL; This is cholesterol, the norm of which should be at least 40 mg / dL on average.

The main role of this type of cholesterol is to remove "bad" cholesterol from the body, which is transferred to the liver and subsequently excreted naturally. Therefore, HDL can be considered a means of preventing atherosclerosis and cleansing the inner walls of blood vessels. It is for this reason that people with high levels of this cholesterol in their blood live long. But the lack of "good" cholesterol, doctors consider even more dangerous than the excess of "bad".

"Bad" cholesterol is low density lipoprotein (LDL), the excess of which in the blood and leads to the gradual appearance of cholesterol plaques on the walls of the arteries. The particles of this type of cholesterol are much larger and at the same time lighter than the particles of "good" cholesterol. Indicated as LDL or LDL. Such particles perform the function of delivering cholesterol necessary for the normal functioning of the body to the cells, therefore, its excessive decrease is also dangerous for human health.

"Very bad" cholesterol - very low density lipoproteins, the size of which is even larger than the previous species. They also act as a carrier of lipids in the body, transporting cholesterol, its esters, as well as triglycerides and phospholipids.

Although there is a strong belief that blood cholesterol is bad, in fact, all of its types are vital for many body systems, so the danger lies solely in exceeding the permissible norm of "bad" types of cholesterol.

In order to determine possible pathologies and prevent them, it is necessary to periodically check the blood for different types cholesterol, as this is the only way to determine compliance with the norm. An increase in the level of this substance does not cause any symptoms in a person.

A blood test for cholesterol is called a lipid profile. For this analysis, it is required to take venous blood on an empty stomach in the morning, so it is not recommended to eat about 8 hours before the test. Preparation for analysis also includes limiting physical activity a couple of days before the blood sampling is planned, and also not to eat foods with a high fat content (which, in principle, is useful not only before the lipid profile, but also in any other case).

Lipidogram determines the total level of cholesterol in, and also shows separately the amount of "bad" LDL cholesterol and "good" HDL. In addition to cholesterol, the analysis gives an idea of ​​the level of triglycerides - another type of organic compounds related to lipids, the increase in which also negatively affects human health. Based on the data obtained, it becomes possible to calculate the atherogenic coefficient - an indicator of the ratio of total cholesterol to its individual types. The coefficient of atherogenicity is calculated as follows: the difference between total cholesterol and HDL is divided by the LDL index. Normally, the CA should be less than 3, in such cases they speak of a low probability of developing atherosclerosis. If the CA exceeds 5, the risk of atherosclerosis is extremely high, or the disease is already present in the body.

The rate of cholesterol in the blood

There are certain standard indicators that differ for male and female patients (due to the specificity of the hormonal background). In addition, for each age group, the rate of cholesterol in the blood will be different, which is associated with certain age-related changes, in particular, the metabolic rate. In order to assess the state of cholesterol, three indicators are taken: total cholesterol, HDL ("good" cholesterol) and LDL ("bad" cholesterol). The sampling of material for a biochemical blood test for cholesterol is performed on an empty stomach. In people with heart disease, as well as in diabetes mellitus, cholesterol norms differ from those in healthy people: they are significantly lower, and this must be taken into account when analyzing the lipid profile data.

In men, the norm for total cholesterol is in the range of 3.6-5.2 mmol / L. Exceeding this range indicates high cholesterol, which is a risk of atherosclerosis and requires correction. However, with age, the metabolism slows down, so the indicators of the normal range shift upward:

30 years old - 3.56-6.55

40 years old - 3.76-6.98

50 years old - 4.06-7.17

60 years old - 4.09-7.19

The norm for "good" HDL cholesterol for men is 0.7 to 1.7 mmol / L. The excess of the level of "bad" LDL cholesterol can be said when its value is more than 4.82 mmol / l.

Cholesterol levels in women are somewhat different from those for men due to physiological and hormonal differences. Up to 30 years of age, total cholesterol should be in the range of 2.9-7.85 mmol / L, HDL - 1.0-1.89 mmol / L, and low-density cholesterol does not exceed 5.6 mmol / L (the lower LDL threshold is 1.2 mmol / L). As in men, the indicators change with age as follows (data for total cholesterol).

Under 30 years old - 3.32-5.75

30 years old - 3.37-5.96

40 years old - 3.81-6.53

50 years old - 3.94-6.86

60 years old - 4.45-7.69

After 70 years, total cholesterol is considered, the norm of which should not exceed the threshold of 7.8 mmol / l, otherwise there is a risk of adverse consequences.

An increase in cholesterol levels in childhood occurs less often than in adults, however, children have their own normal limits. In newborns, this figure should be between 1.37 and 3.5 mmol / l. By the year, these values ​​change and go into the range of 1.81-4.53 mmol / l. In the period from one year of age to 12 years, the indicator grows a little more and we can talk about normal total cholesterol at 3.11-5.18 mmol / l. From the age of 13 to adulthood, cholesterol should be in the range from 3.11 to 5.18 mmol / l.

Since cholesterol is not only produced in the body itself, but is also able to be absorbed, coming along with certain foods, its level may be exceeded. The higher the level of cholesterol in the blood, the greater the possibility of atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Why high cholesterol is dangerous

First of all, you need to understand that the main danger lies in exceeding the norm of "bad" cholesterol, that is, LDL, which is the cause of the appearance of atherosclerotic plaques on the inner walls of the arteries. This leads to the fact that the walls of the blood vessels become less flexible, and the lumen gradually narrows, which interferes with blood flow. Since the blood transports the nutrients and oxygen necessary for normal functioning to the tissues of the body, such disturbances lead to oxygen starvation. The most sensitive to this condition are the brain and heart muscle, therefore atherosclerosis is the most dangerous for them. For the brain, high cholesterol is primarily the risk of strokes, dementia and dementia disorders, for example, the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease increases.

Insufficient blood supply to the heart, which occurs when atherosclerotic plaques are located in the coronary arteries, leads to the appearance of coronary heart disease. Atherosclerosis of the lower extremities, more typical for male patients, is dangerous for possible pain syndrome, atrophy of the leg muscles, lameness, and the risk of gangrene.

If cholesterol plaques have already formed on the walls of blood vessels, a breakthrough situation of one of them is possible, as a result of which a clot forms around it, which can remain in the artery and block blood flow completely. The impossibility of obtaining the nutrients necessary for normal functioning leads in this case to the death of tissues; to a stroke - with blockage of blood vessels in the brain, to a heart attack - in the case of a clot in the coronary artery.

Low cholesterol

The fact that high cholesterol levels are dangerous to health is known even to those who are far from medicine, but few people think about the fact that lowering cholesterol below a certain threshold is dangerous to health. As mentioned earlier, this substance is necessary for the human body and performs several important functions at once, therefore, a lack of cholesterol can lead to the following negative consequences:

• Violations in intimate life up to a decrease in libido and the impossibility of conceiving a child, since cholesterol is involved in the synthesis of sex hormones.
• Emotional disorders, the most dangerous of which are severe depressive conditions with suicidal tendencies. This is due to the fact that cholesterol is a component responsible for the healthy state of the membrane of all cells in the body, including nerve cells, the state of which largely determines the emotional and mental mood of a person.
• Osteoporosis (as cholesterol regulates the balance of phosphorus and calcium).
• Digestive problems.
• Diabetes.
• Hemorrhagic stroke.

A decrease in cholesterol in the body can be triggered by various reasons. The main factor is most often liver disease, because it is he who is the organ that is responsible for the production of most of the cholesterol in the body (for example, cirrhosis or liver cancer). However, other diseases can cause a lack of this vital important element, including problems with the assimilation of food, some forms, poisoning, infections, which are accompanied by febrile conditions. Genetic predisposition can also be the cause of low cholesterol.

The main external factor leading to a lack of cholesterol is dietary habits. If the abuse of heavy, fatty foods leads to an increase in cholesterol levels, then all kinds of diets, selected without taking into account the characteristics of the body, as well as anorexia and starvation, may well upset its balance in a negative direction.

It is possible to determine how much the level of cholesterol is below normal only by a blood test. However, there are specific symptoms that can be a cause for concern and a trip to the doctor to clarify the diagnosis:

• Muscle weakness
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Reflex problems
• A state of depression, apathy, or, conversely, an increase in aggressiveness
• Lack of interest in sex life
• Decreased or no appetite

Of course, these manifestations are too general and cannot unambiguously speak of problems with cholesterol. However, in any case, it is worth visiting a doctor, doing a blood test for cholesterol and getting the necessary recommendations to correct the situation.

There are no specific symptoms for which, without tests, it can be said with confidence about an increase in cholesterol levels in the human body. There are certain indications that this kind of problem can be suspected. These include:

• Dense small yellowish nodules visible on the skin of the eyelids, but can be located anywhere else. These are subcutaneous deposits of cholesterol, which are the main symptom for self-diagnosis.
• Pain in the heart, which may indicate the localization of cholesterol plaques in the vessels responsible for the blood supply to the heart muscle.
• Pain in the legs when moving in case of problems with the vessels leading to the tissues of the lower extremities.
• A noticeable rim of light gray, located along the edges of the cornea of ​​the eye (may be considered a symptom if it appears before the age of 50).
• Early gray hair, which is caused by a violation of the blood supply to the hair follicles, as a result of which they receive less nutrients and lose their own pigmentation.

All of the above symptoms appear if the level of cholesterol in the blood is significantly higher than the norm, or if this condition continues for a rather long period. Since at the initial stage, with a slightly increased cholesterol, there are no symptoms, it is recommended to regularly conduct an appropriate blood test in order to monitor the state of this indicator and, if abnormalities appear, to carry out appropriate treatment.

Causes of increased cholesterol levels

The reasons for the increase in blood cholesterol can be the following congenital or acquired factors:

• Nutrition.

Cholesterol is often found in foods; these are kidneys, eggs, some types of seafood. However, their use does not significantly affect the level of cholesterol, but those dishes that contain a large amount of saturated fat, with regular use, can change this indicator upwards.

• Heredity.

If a person has inherited a certain set of genes from their parents that lead to abnormal synthesis of cholesterol, the risk of an increase in this substance in the blood increases significantly. This factor does not always lead to an increase in cholesterol, since lifestyle, and in particular nutrition, still plays an important role.

• Diseases leading to certain disorders.

These are hypertension, kidney and liver diseases, pancreatic pathologies, diabetes mellitus of two types, hypothyroidism.

• Bad habits.

Smoking, alcohol abuse.

• Long-term use of certain medications

Immunosuppressants, oral contraceptives, hormonal steroid medications.

• Pregnancy.

Certain hormonal changes that occur in the body of a pregnant woman lead to a significant increase in blood cholesterol levels, often up to 2 times. This is a normal condition that contributes to the development of the fetus and the preservation of the health of the woman herself.

• Sedentary lifestyle.

Sedentary work, lack of the required level of physical activity are the causes of cholesterol, as well as overweight, which often acts as a companion to an increase in blood cholesterol.

• Stress.

Numerous studies have also confirmed the relationship between cholesterol levels and stressful situations. The concentration of cholesterol in the blood rises significantly during periods of intense emotional stress and returns to normal levels when the effects of stress are over. Statistics show that people who were exposed to stress at work at least once throughout the year had 17% higher levels of "bad" cholesterol than those who were able to avoid stress, and the concentration of "good" cholesterol was reduced, which is also is a negative consequence for the body.

Since high cholesterol levels are the cause of atherosclerosis and can lead to significant health problems, certain therapeutic measures must be taken when diagnosing this condition. The most effective is an integrated approach, in which the patient needs to combine drug therapy with a certain adjustment of his own lifestyle to exclude external factors risk. However, medications are prescribed only in cases where non-drug treatments do not give results within a certain period, or for patients at risk.

Lifestyle change

Since many components of a lifestyle affect blood cholesterol levels, when it rises, first of all, you need to reconsider your habits and eliminate those that may be the causes of an increase in cholesterol. Since cholesterol in foods has some effect on the overall level, first of all, this is a certain diet for cholesterol, which will be discussed in more detail a little later. However, nutrition is not the only external factor, so you will need to change your lifestyle in accordance with the following criteria:

• Physical activity.

This is especially true for those who spend a lot of time at work in a sitting position. Depending on the level of physical fitness, age and state of health, you need to choose some kind of easy sport for yourself, or simply pay more attention to hiking in the fresh air. The fact is that any such actions lead to the activation of metabolism, and also eliminate stagnation of bile in the bile ducts, due to which excess cholesterol will be more efficiently excreted from the body in a natural way.

• Reducing body weight to normal levels.

There is a definite relationship between obesity and blood cholesterol levels, and obese people are more likely to suffer from excess cholesterol. If adherence to a diet and regular physical activity does not help, it is better to consult a doctor who will suggest more effective and at the same time safe ways to lose weight for the body.

• Refusal from bad habits.

Smoking and alcohol disrupt the normal functioning of all body systems, including negatively affecting the metabolism, slowing it down, which can lead to an increase in cholesterol levels. If the addiction is too strong and it is difficult to quit smoking and drinking alcohol on your own, it is better to take care of your health by entrusting it to a specialist.

All of the above should become not just a temporary measure, but daily habits, since such a lifestyle not only has a positive effect on cholesterol levels, but also generally improves the state of the body.

There is drug therapy that helps to lower cholesterol levels to normal levels for this category of patients. First of all, these are fibrates - drugs that help suppress the production of very low density lipoproteins by the liver. These drugs can also be used for high LDL cholesterol, but are ineffective at eliminating excess low density lipoprotein. To solve this issue, it is proposed to combine fibrates with other drugs - statins, due to which it is possible not only to normalize the level of low density lipoproteins, but also to increase the amount of "good" cholesterol in the blood.

Statins are also commonly used to lower cholesterol levels. The action of these drugs is based on a decrease in the production of enzymes on which the synthesis of cholesterol in the body depends. At the same time, total cholesterol is reduced by about 30%, the so-called "bad" cholesterol - by 50% or more. At the same time, useful cholesterol rises. Although statins perform so well, they must be taken continuously to achieve the desired effect, so you should also be aware of side effects such drugs. These include insomnia and headache, nausea, diarrhea, flatulence, constipation, and asthenic syndrome. The main side effect is the effect on the liver, therefore, everyone who takes statins constantly, once every 3 months, it is necessary to control liver enzymes (ALAT, ASAT). But now there are modern drugs that even in small doses have a good effect, while not affecting the liver. However, there is a category of patients who must take statins: those who have suffered a heart attack or stroke, heart surgery, and acute coronary syndrome. At low risks, statins are not appropriate.

In order to lower cholesterol, bile acid preparations can be used, which bind the bile acids themselves in the body, as a result of which they return to the liver in smaller quantities. This provokes the liver to increase the production of bile acids, as the body seeks to restore their amount. The liver begins to produce bile acids, converting them from cholesterol, as a result of which its amount in the blood decreases.

Another component of high cholesterol treatment is niacin, which is found in a number of medications. This is the most effective remedy that can simultaneously raise the level of "good" cholesterol and lower the "bad" cholesterol. If you take exclusively nicotinic acid preparations, it is possible to raise HDL cholesterol by 30% or more.

More recently, cholesterol absorption inhibitors have been developed, which has become a new word in the treatment of high blood cholesterol. Their mechanism of action is based on a decrease in the ability of the intestines to absorb cholesterol, as a result of which the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood decreases. A slight increase in the level of "good" cholesterol is possible, but the effect of inhibitors on this indicator is minimal.

With the development of atherosclerosis, which is a consequence of high blood cholesterol levels, drugs are prescribed to relieve the symptoms of the disease - hypnotics, sedatives, antidepressants, etc. In this case, drugs that activate blood circulation are also relevant.

In most cases, drugs that directly affect blood cholesterol levels are prescribed in cases where other drugs do not help or there are indications for their use. If the patient's family history confirms his attitude to the risk group (repeated cases of diseases associated with high cholesterol, including heart attacks, strokes, gangrene), drug treatment can be prescribed even with a slight increase in cholesterol and even as a preventive measure.

Currently, statins are often prescribed, which are represented by drugs of several generations. The latest generation of statins, obtained as a result of long-term medical research and development, has significantly fewer side effects compared to the first generation drugs. Moreover, their effect is not only to reduce the level of LDL, but also to increase the "good" cholesterol, which, in turn, further reduces the risk of atherosclerosis. If a patient taking statins last generation, there are already atherosclerotic plaques on the inner walls of blood vessels, the action of the drug stabilizes them, preventing their rupture, and, as a result, acting as a preventive action against heart attacks and strokes. The effect of the use of statins becomes noticeable within the first month.

For many patients, the use of statins alone is not enough to obtain a stable and long-term effect, therefore, these drugs are combined with other necessary drugs: beta-blockers, antiplatelet agents and ACE inhibitors. According to research results, this particular combination is the most effective as a therapeutic agent, therefore, today statins are often combined with other drugs in one tablet. But even modern drugs with a low level of side effects are unacceptable to prescribe to oneself, without conducting an analysis for cholesterol content and consulting with the attending physician about the required type of drugs.

Cholesterol diet is the main and recommended non-drug treatment for elevated cholesterol levels. The main task in this case is to significantly reduce the daily fat intake, therefore, you will need to exclude the following foods and dishes from the diet:

• Chocolate, sweets, cakes, pastries, bakery products.
• Any fatty sauces.
• Rich broths made from meat or fish.
• Fatty meats.
• All offal without exception.
• Dairy products with a fat content of more than 5%.
• Strong black tea, coffee, cocoa

When choosing foods, it is important to pay attention to their composition, in particular their trans fat content. They are a type of unsaturated fat that is obtained by hydrogenation and pose a double threat to blood cholesterol levels, increasing the amount of "bad" cholesterol and at the same time lowering the level of "good". Therefore, you should not eat any food that contains hydrogenated trans fats on the label.

When reviewing your own diet in order to lower cholesterol levels, it is important not only to exclude unhealthy foods that increase cholesterol from the diet, but also to use healthy foods in your menu that help normalize cholesterol. These products include:

• Whole grain bread, wholemeal baked goods.
• Porridge and soups with cereals.
• Fruits, vegetables, berries.
• Low-fat dairy products.
• Seafood.
• Juices made from fresh fruits, berries or vegetables.
• Lean meat in small quantities.
• Green tea.
• Nuts (in small quantities. 5 times a week, 30 grams).

A cholesterol diet means eating at least 5 times a day, which includes three main meals and two snacks. It is also important to remember that it is necessary to cook food correctly: in this case, you need to minimize the amount of fried food, replacing this cooking method with stewing, baking or steaming.

To improve blood circulation, metabolism and normalization general condition the body needs to provide it with the required amount of water, at least 8 glasses of clean drinking water in a day. It will also have a positive effect on body weight and help to get rid of excess weight – frequent companion high blood cholesterol.

There are foods that are natural cholesterol lowering agents. Their introduction into the diet on an ongoing basis will help to effectively fight excess cholesterol. Recommended for breakfast oatmeal or flakes; after a few weeks of such a diet, cholesterol can be reduced by 5%. Another commonly available product is garlic, which is not only able to fight cholesterol, but also has a beneficial effect on the walls of blood vessels, strengthening them. For garlic to work, you need to eat 2-3 cloves of garlic every day. However, this is not recommended for those who have digestive problems; it is best to consult with your doctor in order to determine if this method of lowering cholesterol can be used.

With a high level of cholesterol, such a familiar salad dressing as mayonnaise should be abandoned; it is better to replace it with a healthy product - cold-pressed olive oil. It will not only help get rid of excess cholesterol, but also provide a general strengthening effect on the body.

Even with a hereditary predisposition and a high risk of increased cholesterol levels, certain preventive measures will help avoid an increase in cholesterol and the unpleasant consequences associated with this condition, including atherosclerosis.

A healthy lifestyle is the best prevention of high blood cholesterol levels, so if you have such bad habits as alcohol and smoking, they should be abandoned as soon as possible. Overeating is another negative factor, especially if you eat fatty and heavy foods in large portions. Healthy foods and eating at the same time 5-6 times a day will be the best option for preventing high cholesterol. Another undoubted component of a healthy lifestyle is activity, so if you cannot constantly engage in any kind of sport, it is better to set aside enough time for outdoor walks. Swimming, cycling, or even regular morning exercises can be helpful.

Since stressful situations are one of the reasons for the increase in blood cholesterol, it is important to avoid emotional stress whenever possible. Of course, stress arises regardless of a person's desire to get into such a situation, however, in this case, you can protect yourself from its influence. To do this, you need to learn how to properly respond to stress; This can be helped by various practices, for example, meditation or yoga. Listening to relaxing music can also help stabilize your emotional state and prevent high blood cholesterol levels.

Scientists have found that vitamin E intake prevents the risk of high cholesterol by being an obstacle to the formation of cholesterol plaques. Therefore, it is worth adding foods containing this vitamin (vegetable oils, walnuts, some legumes, etc.) to your diet, or taking it in tablets.

Cholesterol is a substance necessary for the normal functioning of the human body, but only if its balance is within the normal range. Elevated cholesterol levels can lead to atherosclerosis and its consequences, therefore it is recommended to be more careful about this indicator, periodically checking the blood for cholesterol and taking certain preventive actions. If the analysis shows high cholesterol, you should consult with your doctor and follow his recommendations in order to take care of your own health as early as possible.

Cholesterol. Cholesterol norm. High cholesterol. Diet

Recently, the word "cholesterol" has been increasingly used in our conversations. This is such a modern scarecrow that has earned the fame of the number one killer. What exactly is cholesterol?

In Russia, there is a real "epidemic" of cardiovascular diseases with a fatal outcome. Scientists have even introduced a new term - "supermortality". Our compatriots live on average 20 years less than Europeans. And the main culprit of the disaster is cholesterol, which causes atherosclerosis of the arteries of the heart and brain. So let the advice of a cardiologist serve as your survival guide.
Bad and good cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that 2/3 is produced by the liver, and the remaining third comes from food. It serves as one of the main building materials of the body, being part of the membranes of cells, nervous tissue, as well as hormones and vitamin D.
Cholesterol is a building block for cell membranes. He is a source of energy for skeletal muscle and is essential for binding and transporting proteins. But in excess, it becomes poison. It is necessary to slightly exceed the normal level, as the resulting excess cholesterol begins to be deposited on the walls of blood vessels - the aorta and arteries that feed the heart and brain, organs abdominal cavity, kidneys and legs. Fat strips gradually thicken, turn into plaques, narrowing the lumen of the arteries.
Over time, the cholesterol plaque becomes saturated with lime, becomes inflamed, sometimes ruptures, and its contents form a clot. Consolidating and expanding, this clot clogs the vessel. As a result of thrombosis - heart attack, stroke, death of a part of the muscle of the heart or brain.
The main transporters of cholesterol in the blood are lipoproteins, which are composed of fats (lipids) and proteins. Distinguish between "good" cholesterol - high density lipoprotein and "bad" - low density lipoprotein, containing up to 70% of the actual cholesterol and which tends to settle on the walls of blood vessels. The first ensures the outflow of the "bad" species from peripheral tissues to the liver, where it is processed mainly into bile acids.
Cholesterol norm
A healthy person should have blood cholesterol no more than 200 mg / dL (milligram / deciliter), or 3.8-5.2 mmol / L (millimol / liter). Values ​​of 5.2 - 6.2 mmol / L indicate the risk of vascular damage. And numbers over 6.2 are typical for people suffering from various diseases of the liver, cardiovascular system, eyes and other organs. However, the "good" cholesterol - high density lipoproteins - should be at least 1 mmol / l.
To check for yourself if you are at risk of developing atherosclerosis, you need to divide your total cholesterol by the good. If this ratio is less than five, you don't have to worry. You can check your cholesterol level at the clinic by doing a fasting blood test. To obtain the correct result, the last meal should be 12-14 hours before the study, alcohol - 72 hours before.
Special diet
The daily intake of cholesterol from food should not exceed 300 mg. And 100 g of animal fats contains 100-110 mg of cholesterol. That is why it is necessary to significantly reduce in the diet or even eliminate the consumption of foods containing cholesterol or contributing to its overproduction in the body. These products include lamb, pork, beef, offal (liver, kidneys, brains), stew, pate, dumplings, chicken skin, raw smoked sausage (100 g - 112 mg). Limit your use doctor's sausage, sausages and wieners (100 g - 60 mg). Having prepared the broth, cool it and remove the hardened fat from the surface, which is ready to settle in the form of plaques on the walls of the vessels. It is better to replace meat dishes with soybeans, beans, lentils, peas, which are high in calories and contain a lot of vegetable protein. Fish (except for caviar) is very useful, especially fatty varieties - mackerel, sardines, salmon, herring. They contain omega-three fatty acids, which can reduce the risk of myocardial infarction by a third!
There is a lot of cholesterol in the yolks, so eat no more than 3-4 eggs a week and consume them in a fat-free diet. Rich in cholesterol and butter (100 g - 190 mg), cream, sour cream, fat cottage cheese, whole milk. Water-insoluble cholesterol is well absorbed when surrounded by fat molecules. That is why it is better to use not animals, but unsaturated vegetable oils that help lower cholesterol levels and some types of margarines.
Lemon juice, spices, herbs are suitable for salad dressing. And if we take mayonnaise, then on the basis of vegetable oil. Eat wholemeal bread, cereals, pasta, and avoid "thick" pastries (cakes, biscuits), better - oatmeal cookies, fruit jelly and crackers. Please note that following a special diet "saves" 10-15% of cholesterol. An impressive result for reaching the norm!
About alcohol and drinks
Regular small doses of alcohol help to improve blood flow, prevent blood clots in the vascular system and increase the level of "good" cholesterol. This means that every day it is useful for men to drink no more (!) 60 g of brandy, vodka, or 200 g of dry wine, or 220 g of beer. For women, the allowable rate is 2/3 of the male. Increasing the dose has a detrimental effect on health, and in case of hypertension or diabetes mellitus, alcohol consumption should generally be minimized and agreed with the doctor.
I note that from other drinks, natural coffee is harmful, refusal from it lowers cholesterol by an average of 17%. But tea, due to the high content of flavonoids (vitamins P), which help to maintain the structure of the capillaries, is very useful. Increased consumption of green tea lowers total cholesterol and raises good cholesterol. Mineral water and juices are welcome.
Obesity is a risk factor
It is also important to pay attention to where your fat stores are created. Look in the mirror. If the shape of the body resembles a pear, this is not so bad. And if the belly serves as a pantry (obesity like "apple"), then you should be wary of atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension and angina pectoris. An abdominal circumference of more than 102 cm in men and more than 88 cm in women is a signal of trouble. The waist for men should be no more than 94 cm, for women - no more than 84 cm. It is also useful to know the ratio between the circumference of the waist and the hips. It is desirable that for men it does not exceed 0.95, for women - 0.8.
So, if you notice a violation of the norm, get down to business. Reduce food calories by 500 calories per day. But keep in mind that drastic weight loss is very dangerous to health, and is also fraught with an early return to the original weight. The scientifically substantiated option for losing weight is 0.5 kg per week, only with such gradual losses, the weight is not restored later.
Movement and loads
The easiest and most natural way to keep blood vessels in good shape is movement: physical labor, gymnastics, dancing, walking, in a word, everything that brings a feeling of muscle joy. People who are physically active tend to have lower total cholesterol and higher cholesterol levels. Walking for half an hour at a moderate pace 3–5 times a week so that the heart rate increases by no more than 10–15 beats per minute is an excellent therapy cycle.
Even people suffering from heart and vascular diseases should systematically receive moderate loads, devoting to training for 30-40 minutes a day, but at least three times a week. Only then will you be able to deceive fate and reduce by 40-60% the probability of death from heart attack, stroke, heart surgery and other cardiovascular problems.
But do not try to overdo it, especially in the garden area. Do your work slowly, with breaks every half hour. And keep in mind that your desires are always higher than your physical capabilities, leave the records to others.

Diet cholesterol
Every year there are more and more people who discover that they, too, have high cholesterol levels. Someone slowly comes to this state with age, someone ahead of time leads to him in excess in food.
It is not cholesterol itself that is dangerous, but its high level, because it contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of blood vessels, which impede blood flow, can cause blockage of blood vessels, and lead to the development of hypertension, stroke or heart attack. At the first stage, this can be fought with - diet, physical activity, then medications can join. If you do not pay attention to their condition, the plaques eventually become very dense, as if they grow into the inner walls of blood vessels and turn to stone. At the same time, the patients become such dense, rigid vessels that it is extremely difficult for them to even give an injection. Such fossilized plaques will never dissolve.
But you cannot call cholesterol a harmful substance. We cannot live without it, because it is a building material for cell membranes and a participant in metabolic processes in the body. It must be understood that its high amount in the blood is harmful (hypercholesterolemia) and an imbalance in its various fractions. What is popularly called "bad" cholesterol - low density cholesterol, can be deposited on the walls of blood vessels, obstructing blood flow. High-density cholesterol has the opposite effect - it removes the initial deposits of "bad" cholesterol. Since 1/3 of the cholesterol we need we get from food, then if desired, and even more so if necessary, we can and should influence its amount in our body.
Cholesterol level
Cholesterol levels of 220 mg / dL are considered elevated; 250 mg / dl - requires treatment, 300 - this is already a high degree of risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. Diet is essential for any high cholesterol level, but experience has shown that results will be better when diet is combined with adequate exercise. In our center, studies were carried out: one group of patients with an initially high cholesterol level was only on a diet, the other on a diet and physical exercise(bike 40 minutes daily). Exercise has been shown to lower cholesterol levels even more than diet. So movement is necessary, at least 30 minutes of walking at a brisk pace 5 times a week, with an excess of the heart rate by 70%. If the pulse is 80, it means that when walking, it should be increased to 120-130 beats. You need to start gradually, monitor your well-being, so that there is no difficulty in breathing, heaviness behind the breastbone, God forbid, attacks of angina pectoris.
Pills or herbs?
As for medications, it is now considered necessary and proven all over the world to prescribe statins to patients - a class of drugs that have a powerful cholesterol-lowering effect. There are other groups of drugs that the doctor selects depending on the patient's condition. The degree of ischemic heart disease, the degree of pronounced atherosclerosis, hypertension, the presence of diabetes, etc. are important. Cholesterol-lowering drugs must be taken for a very long time.
Of the herbal preparations, clover-based remedies are useful, which has a powerful anti-sclerotic effect, there are practically no contraindications for it. You also need to take them for a long time. If your condition is not maintained, then with the abolition of diet, pills, physical activity, all problems will return. The atherosclerotic process is a progressive disease, the human task is to suspend the process.
That is, it is almost impossible to completely clean the vessels. Angioplasty may help. It is done if the coronary vessels are covered by atherosclerotic plaque by 80–90%. A catheter is inserted into the vessel, in which there is a special balloon. In the vessel, it swells and, as it were, squeezes, expands the plaque, freeing the blood flow. To prevent it from falling back, a stent is inserted - an internal frame for the vessel. This restoration of blood flow is life-saving.
If many vessels are affected, then coronary artery bypass grafting should be done, during which the blood flow is allowed to bypass the blocked areas of the vessels, making detours from the vessels of the patient himself, taken, for example, from the thigh. This saves a person from myocardial infarction, the quality of life increases markedly. The trouble is that if a person has an advanced atherosclerotic process and high cholesterol levels, then atherosclerotic plaques can form in the shunts over time.
To keep your cholesterol levels normal, eat:
* Fish, which contains beneficial Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which reduce cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and a tendency to thrombus formation. Sardines, sprats, mackerel, salmon, herring - 2-3 servings, 200-400 g per week. Tuna, cod, haddock, flounder - unlimited.
* Turkey and chicken (duck and goose are high cholesterol foods). Veal, young lamb without visible fat. Both fish and meat should be mostly boiled, steamed, or grilled with no added oil. Poultry should be cooked skinless because it contains the highest cholesterol and fat.
* Herbal products... It is believed that a healthy person's diet should contain 400 grams of vegetables and fruits (except potatoes) daily and all year round. At least one third must be in fresh... Available vegetables can include cabbage, carrots, beets. Do not forget about turnips, which have a powerful cholesterol-lowering effect. Eggplants, all melons and squash crops are also useful: cucumbers, zucchini, zucchini, pumpkin. It is recommended to use vegetable oil, because it is also cholesterol-free in nature, but it must be borne in mind that it is a high-calorie product.
* Porridge, cereals, ordinary, not instant. In general, you should not use anything in bags, cubes, jars, cups, because these products contain a large amount of additives and preservatives, flavor enhancers, especially monosodium glutamate, which causes palpitations and sweating. Try to cook porridge in water.
* Soups - vegetable, vegetarian.
* Nuts - walnuts, almonds.
* Dried fruits. Keep in mind that they are high in calories.
* Vegetable fibers, which are found in bread with bran, coarse grinding, black bread; vegetables and fruits.
Limit, but do not exclude ...
* Eggs. Typically, on a cholesterol-free diet, only 3 eggs per week are recommended, including those used in other foods. Eggs should not be completely excluded, because they also contain anti-cholesterol substances (lecithin, etc.).
* Butter... Within 2 teaspoons without a top (two sandwiches with butter) must be eaten precisely because it also contains anti-cholesterol substances.
* Dairy products must be low-fat or fat-free. The cholesterol contained in them is absorbed very quickly, almost immediately enters the bloodstream, so a large amount of high-fat dairy products should not be in your diet. Cottage cheese - 0% or 5%, milk - maximum 1.5%. In the same way, all fermented milk products: kefir can be 1% and fat-free.
* Cheese. Give preference to cheeses with a fat content of less than 30% - suluguni, Adyghe, Ossetian, feta cheese, Poshekhonsky, Baltic cheeses.
Eliminate ...
* Mayonnaise. Season salads with yogurt, kefir, low-fat sour cream.
* Curd spreads, curds; buns, premium bread; shrimp, squid, hard margarine, bacon, ice cream, puddings, cakes, biscuits, sweets.

Cholesterol products
It used to be thought that maintaining normal cholesterol levels was only possible with special diets and pills. But science does not stand still: scientists are finding more and more new products that help fight harmful cholesterol.
Recently, for example, British doctors stated that pistachios are extremely beneficial for the heart and blood vessels. The scientists recruited a group of volunteers and fed them according to a specific schedule every week. Basically, the diet of the subjects was composed according to one of the low-fat diets commonly recommended for people with cardiovascular diseases. But once pistachios were added to the group's menu. People ate half the norm of nuts dry, the rest was added to food - in salads, to meat, and so on.
According to the results of the experiment, doctors concluded that adding pistachio nuts to the diet is extremely beneficial for the heart and blood vessels, and the benefit increases in parallel with the dose. Perhaps, doctors suggest, this effect is associated with the content in the nuts of a special substance that affects cholesterol metabolism in the body.
Previously, pistachios were thought to be beneficial for the cardiovascular system only due to their fatty acid content. Based on the amount of these substances in the nuts, the doctors calculated how much the consumption of pistachios should lower the level of cholesterol in the subjects' blood. However, the results exceeded their expectations by 7 times!
What lowers cholesterol?
1. Cherries. American researchers recently found that eating cherries daily lowers not only cholesterol, but also the risk of diabetes and arthritis. Moreover, eating a berry is not necessarily fresh - jams, compotes and even jam will do. The darker the color of the cherry, the better, because the pigment that gives the cherry its red hue has a healing effect.
2. Artichoke. Extracts from the leaves of this plant have traditionally been used to treat gastritis and diseases. urinary tract... Now British doctors advise using it for the prevention of cardiovascular ailments. Studies have shown that consuming artichoke extract daily for 3 months lowers cholesterol levels, and for a long time.
3. Blueberries. Research led by the ministry Agriculture USA, showed that blueberries are extremely rich in pterostilbene, an antioxidant also found in grapes and red wine. As suggested by American researchers, this substance is able to stimulate cholesterol metabolism in the body, thereby reducing the number of harmful molecules. In terms of strength, the effect of consuming blueberries, doctors say, can be compared with the effects of certain medications.
4. Tea. The study of the properties of tea was carried out in one of the most tea countries in the world - China. The doctors there say that tea - both black and green - can bring down cholesterol levels by 16%, but it is not enough to consume it as a drink. The fact is that during the experiment, the subjects were given capsules with tea leaf extract, in terms of the content of useful elements, equivalent to 35 cups of black and 7 cups of green tea. Drinking so much in a day, it is understandable to eat, not just difficult - it is dangerous to health. In addition, doctors are not yet sure that tea extract in such an amount will not cause any harm to the health of patients, so they do not advise throwing tea as a panacea. 5 cups of tea a day is enough to enjoy its healing effects and not harm yourself.
5. Walnut. Many nuts, including Brazil nuts, almonds, and chestnuts, contain healthy monosaturated fats that can fight cholesterol. V walnuts there are especially many of them. However, you should not overdo it - you can damage your figure.
6. Olive oil. Contains the same healthy fats as nuts.
7. Beans. Legumes contain a special type of fiber that can remove cholesterol from the body. An experiment by American nutritionist James W. Anderson showed that 300 grams of cooked beans is enough to lower cholesterol by 20% in 3 weeks.
What raises cholesterol?
1. Dairy products. Milk, cheese, cream and other high-fat dairy products. If you really like milk and do not want to give up the dose of calcium contained in it, choose low-fat or low-fat.
2. Red meat. If you're on the lookout for cholesterol, forget about pork and beef. The best way for you - white meat of poultry, especially turkey: it is considered to be the most dietary of poultry. Just do not forget to remove the skin before cooking: as a rule, harmful fat collects near it.
3. Margarine. Most margarine makers make margarine based on so-called trans fats, which, according to American extras, kill about 150,000 people a year in the United States alone. Remember: Margarine is not only sold in packs in supermarkets, but also found in many confectionery and baked goods.
4. Fast food. Many instant foods contain the same trans fats - popcorn, donuts, chips. Skip these treats and cut your cholesterol in half, doctors say.
Cholesterol myths
Eggs don't actually raise cholesterol levels as it has been thought until now. This statement was made by British doctors, who have recently been actively studying the problem of cholesterol due to a sharp increase in mortality from cardiovascular diseases in the country.
They conducted an experiment by recruiting volunteers and putting them on the same low-fat diet. However, half of them were given porridge for breakfast, and the others - two boiled eggs. When the experiment was over, the doctors measured the cholesterol levels of all participants - and it turned out to be the same. That is, two eggs a day did not cause any harm to the cardiovascular system.
Garlic is actually unable to lower blood cholesterol. It was previously thought that this fragrant plant is extremely beneficial for blood vessels and can even relieve hypertension. However, an experiment involving 200 people showed that eating garlic daily for 5 months had no effect on cholesterol levels. Except that the breath and sweat of the participants became more fragrant.

Atherosclerosis of the vessels of various organs occurs in a large part of the elderly, which is most often associated with the impact on the human body of a number of factors, including lifestyle, diet, etc. A similar disease occurs against the background of an increase in blood cholesterol levels, as well as changes in the content of low and high density lipoproteins (LDL and HDL, respectively).

In this regard, each person should know what is the rate of cholesterol in the blood, and monitor these values ​​when undergoing preventive medical examinations. This is necessary for the early prevention of atherosclerosis and, as a rule, allows you to identify changes in fat metabolism at the most early stages their development when diet and lifestyle changes are sufficient for treatment.

The normal level of cholesterol in a certain proportion is different indicators

General information about lipids

People have a myth that cholesterol is an extremely harmful substance, the level of which in the blood from a vein should be as low as possible, and products containing cholesterol should be completely abandoned. This myth about the norms of cholesterol and the nature of its influence on the body is completely untrue.

The norm of total cholesterol in the blood should always be assessed in conjunction with the determination of the level of LDL, HDL and triglycerides in humans.

In the human body, cholesterol performs a large number of physiological functions necessary to maintain health. It participates in the formation of cell membranes, their recovery after damage, in the synthesis of many hormones, as well as in the exchange of fat-soluble vitamins. In this regard, the content of cholesterol in the blood of a healthy person should always correspond to his norm, depending on age.

What is cholesterol? It is a fairly simple fat molecule that takes part in many biological processes. It is believed that in the development of atherosclerotic vascular lesions, the main role is played not by cholesterol, but by more complex compounds - lipoproteins.

• Low and very low density lipoproteins (LDL and VLDL) are involved in the transport of fats from liver cells to various peripheral tissues. In this regard, it is this class of molecules that can provoke the onset of atherosclerosis and maintain its course. This indicator in the blood from a vein in adults must be monitored during the treatment of diseases caused by atherosclerotic processes.
• High density lipoprotein (HDL). Their level is an important indicator of the adequacy of fat metabolism in the body, since HDL transfers fats from the arteries to the liver tissue, preventing the development of atherosclerosis.
• Chylomicrons are a combination of triglycerides and various lipid substances that play a role in energy metabolism and in the synthesis of other biologically active molecules.

Coming from all of the above, it is important to understand that the rate of cholesterol in the blood by age is a fairly relative indicator. This is due to the fact that the level of total cholesterol in the blood from a vein cannot objectively show the doctor the risks of the development and progression of atherosclerotic lesions of the arteries in the body of an adult.

Factors affecting the amount of plasma lipids

The normal level of cholesterol depends on a large number of factors related to the lifestyle and characteristics of the human body. It is believed that the parameters of fat metabolism are mainly influenced by modifiable factors, i.e. those that can be changed by the person himself.

The most effective method prevent high blood cholesterol levels is a healthy lifestyle

• Human lifestyle. Low level of daily physical activity, predominance of "sedentary" work make a great contribution to the development of atherosclerotic changes.
• The diet, namely the predominance of fatty foods and foods rich in easily digestible carbohydrates, leads to an increase in blood cholesterol, as well as LDL.
• Smoking and alcohol abuse leads to an increase in the synthesis of cholesterol and LDL in the liver.
• Endocrine diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, as well as obesity, congenital and acquired metabolic disorders, affect the metabolism of fats in humans, lead to an excess of blood cholesterol.

In addition to these modifiable factors that affect the cholesterol amount indicators, unmodifiable factors are isolated, which cannot be changed.

• Congenital genetic disorders of lipid metabolism, leading to a persistent increase in blood cholesterol and LDL, and, as a consequence, the early development of atherosclerotic changes and related diseases.
• The age of the person. For women, the risks of developing cardiovascular diseases increase from 55 years of age, for men - from 50 years.

Knowledge of the main factors affecting cholesterol metabolism allows for effective primary and secondary prevention, preventing the development of such formidable complications of diseases as myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke.

Lipid levels can vary depending on age, gender, body condition and other factors.

Many patients and healthy people are wondering what is the rate of cholesterol in the blood? It is very difficult to answer this question, since it is necessary to take into account the indications of other laboratory research methods, including the determination of LDL, HDL and total triglycerides. For each of these analyzes, there are values ​​that are considered the norm. Let's consider the general allowable norms in the form of tables.

Risk-adjusted cholesterol levels:

Since the level of cholesterol in the blood is not a self-sufficient indicator, it is important to assess the amount of LDL and HDL. For LDL, the risk indicators are as follows:

Lipids are fat-like organic compounds

The indicators of the level of risk when measuring HDL, which play a protective role in the development of atherosclerosis, are as follows:

These levels of cholesterol normally differ depending on the sex and age of the person, which must also be taken into account when interpreting the tests.

Norms for men and women

Indicators of cholesterol in a person's blood depend on his gender and age, which is believed to be due to hormonal levels in the body. In the blood, the norms of cholesterol are as follows:

High-density lipoprotein has different normal values ​​for women and men

The norm for cholesterol levels, depending on age, is always taken into account by doctors when receiving test results. So, the cholesterol content revealed during the study should be checked against the table in which this indicator corresponds to the patient by age.

It is desirable for each person to know exactly what the rate of cholesterol in the body is equal to at his age, as this helps in tracking his health and allows him to understand whether changes in lifestyle and in what should be eaten are necessary.

What deviations are possible in the analyzes?

After the patient has received the results of his tests for cholesterol and other lipids, as well as recommendations from the attending physician, he himself needs to understand how much the metabolism of fats in his body is disturbed and how much cholesterol should be normal.

Thinking about what level of cholesterol is considered normal, it is important to remember that age and cholesterol are highly interdependent, therefore it is necessary to use special age tables, in which there should be a norm separately for each category of people. It is with underestimation of this factor that errors of interpretation and the appointment of incorrect treatment are most often associated.

In diagnostics, it is not the detection of lipids that is important, but the determination of their overestimated value in comparison with the permissible norm

What are the normal and pathological results that can be obtained in the study of blood cholesterol?

1. How much cholesterol should be in order for this to be considered an absolute norm that does not pose any threat to human health? A healthy cholesterol level, it is believed, should not be more than 5.1 mmol per liter, since at these values ​​lipids are not deposited in the vascular wall.
2. A moderate increase in cholesterol concentration is observed when a result is obtained from 5.2 to 7.7 mmol / l. In such situations, a person is advised to take measures to return total cholesterol to normal.
3. If the cholesterol level exceeds 7.7, then the patient is threatened with serious diseases of the cardiovascular system with a high risk of developing complications. In these cases, it is recommended, against the background of treatment, to donate blood for cholesterol again until the norm is reached.
4. What should be the level of cholesterol in patients with concomitant pathology? As a rule, only a value less than 4.5 mmol / L is considered normal in this situation and provides adequate protection against the development of complications of atherosclerosis.

Interpretation of test results is very important. In no case should you independently evaluate the data obtained and, moreover, prescribe some kind of self-medication. In most cases, this leads to an aggravation of the disease and a more rapid onset of vascular complications.

What should be done if the risk is higher?

High cholesterol values ​​can lead to the onset of the growth of atherosclerotic plaques in the vessels and to the development of various diseases associated with this process. Therefore, people with impaired lipid metabolism should follow the following guidelines.

Simple daily exercise can help lower cholesterol

• Organize regular exercise.
• Modify the diet by eliminating fatty foods, confectionery, pasta, etc.
• Reduce body weight.
• Quit smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Undergo regular medical examinations for early detection of heart and vascular diseases.

After carrying out a biochemical study, it is necessary to contact your doctor to interpret its results.

Controlling the level of lipoproteins of various densities and cholesterol plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of various vascular and heart diseases associated with the appearance and development of atherosclerotic plaques. Such analyzes are carried out in any diagnostic centers, which allows you to regularly monitor fat metabolism in the body and prevent the development of negative consequences of its violation.

Scientists started talking about the negative role of cholesterol in the 18th century, but only at the beginning of the 20th century, Russian scientists, academician N.N. Anichkov and a group of researchers under his leadership, experimentally proved the importance of cholesterol in the pathomorphology of atherosclerosis. However, during this period, wars and revolutions shook the world and Russian Empire... The information about cholesterol plaques in blood vessels was "pushed back" until after the Second World War the topic of cholesterol was raised by the United States. Opening the bodies of the dead soldiers, doctors noticed that in ¾ of the victims, the vessels bore pronounced signs of pathological changes. But the age of the soldiers was 20-23 years old. So the need arose for serious research on the properties of lipids and the creation of a table of cholesterol norms in men by age.

In their experiments on pigeons, researchers of academician N.N. Anichkova fed them for a long time "high-calorie food". After opening, they saw pathological changes in the heart and blood vessels of birds, characteristic of atherosclerosis in humans. Thanks to the authority of Anichkov and the inertia of scientific thinking of subsequent generations, the fight against calories, overeating, bad habits and other factors began. In the early 60s, a program to combat cholesterol (CS) was launched in America. Following this, many developed countries in Europe have launched campaigns against atherosclerosis.

The following factors are considered the reason for the appearance of excess cholesterol:

• overweight;
• low physical activity;
• eating fatty foods;
• bad habits, especially smoking;
• age - the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke increases after age 50.

The research of the CS itself was generously funded, new laboratories were opened, “lightweight” products, spreads, and baby food without CS appeared on the market.

But in the heat of the fight against cholesterol, some facts were missed that called into question the effectiveness of the measures developed:

• Even Nazi surgeons, who carried out their inhuman experiments in concentration camps, noted that the vessels of extremely emaciated, long-term malnourished prisoners were “clogged” with cholesterol plaques. The number of atherosclerosis sufferers did not decrease during the hungry war years;
• the researchers were forced to admit that patients with normal and even low cholesterol levels die from cardiovascular pathologies;
• in young children and some adults, plaques resolve spontaneously, without treatment;
• a high level of cholesterol is recorded even in newborns.

All these facts require close consideration, because, as it turned out, the reasons for the increase in cholesterol are not so unambiguous. To understand what factors affect the increase in cholesterol levels in the body, it is necessary to consider what cholesterol is and its role in the body.

"Bad" and "good" cholesterol

Cholesterol in the human body is present in free and bound form. Cholesterol of endogenous origin is synthesized inside the body, and exogenous - with products enters the gastrointestinal tract, from where it is absorbed into the blood. But lipids do not dissolve in liquid, therefore, in order to get into the blood, cholesterol must change its properties. The lipid is isolated by a multilayer shell, forming a kind of capsule, the surface of which interacts with water. Each such capsule contains about 1500 CS molecules. In order to target the target, it contains a “signaling” protein on its surface that is recognized by the receptors of liver cells. For this discovery, scientists from the University of Texas at Austin (USA) received the Nobel Prize.

But, as it turned out, not all "capsules" are equipped with such signaling proteins. Some capture and transport free cholesterol to the liver.

This type of cholesterol was called "α-lipoprotein" or "good" cholesterol. And cholesterol with signaling proteins - "β-lipoprotein" or "bad" cholesterol. In the test forms, "good cholesterol" is indicated by the abbreviation HDL, and "bad" - LDL.

HDL - high density lipoproteins are formed in:

• liver cells;
• blood plasma during the breakdown of large fat molecules that are absorbed into small intestine from food (chylomicrons);
• intestinal walls.

They "capture" free cholesterol and transfer it to the liver cells, as well as serve as a source of substances necessary for the structure and functioning of the body's cells.

LDL - low density lipoproteins are synthesized by the cells of the liver and the vascular system of the organ under the action of specific liver enzymes.

LDL also transports cholesterol to the liver, from where it is used in the synthesis of:

• hormones;
• leather and its derivatives;
• bile acids.

LDL is essential for proper functioning:

• connective tissue;
• the filtering system of the kidneys;
• bone marrow;
• the cornea of ​​the eye;
• nervous system;
• pituitary gland.

"Density" depends on the ratio of free cholesterol to capsule proteins. In "bad" cholesterol, there is more free cholesterol than proteins, and the density is lower. In the blood, HDL interacts with LDL. Why are some lipoproteins called "good" and others "bad" if they are all necessary in the body? Simply, if HDL “captures” free cholesterol and delivers it for processing, then it is “good” cholesterol. And LDL - "bad" cholesterol, which can be deposited on the walls of blood vessels, forming insoluble plaques, leading to cardiovascular disease. However, the causes of severe vascular disorders are not so much in "quality" as in the amount of cholesterol.

If N.N. Anichkov put forward the hypothesis that CS, which forms plaques on the walls of blood vessels, is superfluous for the body, but modern researchers adhere to a slightly different point of view.

According to one hypothesis, plaques form in places where the vessel is damaged. These are kind of "patches". They become dangerous when the vessel long time cannot recover, the "plaque" is saturated with calcium and hardens. It is calcification that is a malfunction. And the reason for the long process of vessel regeneration is the lack of "building material" - proteins.

According to another theory, it is “bad” cholesterol that penetrates the walls of blood vessels, accumulating in them, carrying out lipolysis (damaging the structure) and causing damage characteristic of atherosclerosis.

Cause and signs of increased blood cholesterol in men

If the conversion time of LDL is longer, and their concentration in the blood is higher and, in addition, some part of the "bad" cholesterol is oxidized and destroyed by negative radicals, then the risk of atherosclerosis increases. Such cholesterol is especially dangerous, and not only damages the inner part of blood vessels, but also interacts with blood clotting factors, causing blood clots.

The reason for the increase in blood cholesterol levels are genetically determined abnormalities:

• coding of the LDL receptor, due to which cholesterol cannot penetrate into liver cells and be utilized in them;
• decrease in cholesterol conversion due to imbalance of transport molecules;
• decrease in the sensitivity of the receptors of target cells.

External and internal factors only aggravate the pathology and lead to the onset of pathologies at an early age.

External factors that increase blood cholesterol levels are:

• increased body weight;
• violation of the diet (overeating), the use of harmful products, in excess of animal fats, preservatives and other additives;
• bad habits - smoking and alcohol abuse;
• hypodynamia;
• the use of certain medications - diuretics, steroids.

But in addition to external factors, internal factors are of great importance in disrupting the transport and metabolism of lipids:

• metabolic disorders - atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, obesity;
• inflammation and swelling of the pancreas;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system (CVS) - hypertension;
• liver pathologies - cirrhosis, hepatitis;
• hyperfunction of the thyroid gland;
• renal failure;
• intoxication.

Today, researchers name more than 30 reasons for the increase in cholesterol levels. And one of the important triggers of cholesterolemia is the age of a man.

Over the years, the number and severity of changes in the body increases - it decreases:

• the rate of basic metabolic processes;
• immune activity;
• liver function;
• vascular tone and permeability.

Scientists call another reason for increased cholesterol - psychoemotional stress. The so-called incomplete emotional reactions (a state when psycho-emotional conflicts do not have physical discharge) lead to the accumulation of substances (lipoproteins, catecholamines) released during stress.

Elevated cholesterol, as a rule, does not have pronounced symptoms.

But with hypercholesterolemia, the following signs are recorded:

• the appearance of yellow spots and "lumps" (xanthomas) on the surface of the eyelids, skin, tendons of the extremities, in the area of ​​skin folds;
• the formation of a gray rim along the periphery of the cornea of ​​the eyes;
• xanthomas (bumps with altered cells filled with cholesterol) of the gastric mucosa and other internal organs.

Some of the triggers that trigger the accumulation of cholesterol can be adjusted. Unchangeable factors include age, genetic makeup, and gender.

The norm of cholesterol in men by age

Already the first studies (Framingham Heart Research, USA, 1948) noted a direct relationship between age and the level of cholesterol. Therefore, in the study, the reference (norm) values ​​are indicated in accordance with the patient's age.

The optimal rate for young men after 30 years

Before finding out what is the optimal level of cholesterol in the blood for young men after 30 years of age, it should be noted that different cholesterol has a different damaging ability. Determine the activity of total cholesterol and the amount of LDL cholesterol, which destroys blood vessels and disrupts blood flow in all age groups.

The reference value for this age group is:

• CS total - 3.57 - 6.58 mmol / l;
• LDL cholesterol - 2.02 - 4.79 mmol / l.

Determination of LDL cholesterol after 30 makes it possible to assess the risk of developing CVD diseases and atherosclerosis in old age.

The norm for men over the age of 40 - 50

Physiologically determined increase in lipids with age reflects the norms of cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in men in the age group 40-50 years:

• CS total - 3.91 - 7.15 mmol / l;
• LDL cholesterol - 2, 25 - 5.23 mmol / l.

Up to 40 years, in the norm, there are no sharp fluctuations in HDL cholesterol. And in the 40-year-old age group, there is a jump in the reference high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to 0.88 - 2.12 mmol / L. After 45 years, the value becomes the same (0.78 - 1.66 mmol / l).

Normal blood levels in men after 50-60 years

In this age group, destructive and degenerative processes are increasing, which provokes an excess of cholesterol and, accordingly, an increase in its activity. The normal level of free cholesterol increases to 4.09 - 7.15 mmol / L. The LDL index also increases - 2.28 - 5.44 mmol / l.

Cholesterol after 60 - 65 years

Cholesterol continues to rise in men over 60 years of age. On average, the reference value is 4.45 - 7.77 mmol / L.

Table of cholesterol norms in men by age

The table below shows the reference values ​​of cholesterol according to the age of men:

Age interval		Reference values ​​of cholesterol (mmol / l)
	free cholesterol	LDL cholesterol	HDL cholesterol
 5	2,95 – 5,25
5-10	3,13 – 5,25	1,63 – 3,34	0,98 – 1,94
10-15	3,08 – 5,23	1,66 – 3,34	0,96 – 1,91
15-20	2,91 – 5,10	1,61 – 3,37	0,78 – 1,63
20-25	3,16 – 5,59	1,71 – 3,81	0,78 – 1,63
25-30	3,44 – 6,32	1,81 – 4,27	0,80 – 1,63
30-35	3,57 – 6,58	2,02 – 4,79	0,72 – 1,63
35-40	3,63 – 6,99	1,94 – 4,45	0,88 – 2,12
40-45	3,91 – 6,94	2,25 – 4,82	0,70 – 1,73
45-50	4,09 – 7,15	2,51 – 5,23	0,78 – 1,66
50-55	4,09 – 7,17	2,28 – 5,26	0,72 – 1,63
55-60	4,04 – 7,15	2,31 – 5,10	0,72 – 1,84
60-65	4,12 – 7,15	2,15 – 5,44	0,78 – 1,91
65-70	4,09 – 7,10	2,49 – 5,34	0,78 – 1,94
> 70	3,73 – 6,86	2,49 – 5,34	0,85 – 1,94

If you carefully analyze the indicators of cholesterol, the peculiarity of the growth graph becomes noticeable. Contrary to expectations, the level of cholesterol in the group of men over 70 does not increase, but decreases. A decrease in LDL cholesterol was also noted in the group of 35-40 years old. Such fluctuations cannot be explained only by age-related changes in the body of men.

High cholesterol diet

Since "bad" cholesterol comes with food, in order to reduce its amount, it is necessary to adjust the diet.

A diet that includes:

• limiting the intake of foods high in animal fats and cholesterol;
• control of food calorie content;
• an increase in the proportion of foods with a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids;
• an increase in the number of foods containing vitamins with antioxidant effects.

The diet that meets the listed requirements is considered to be the Mediterranean one. In order to activate the process of CS metabolism, it is necessary to reduce not only its intake with animal lipids, but also to control the calorie content of food. Depending on the severity of the work performed by a man, the calorie content should be 2000-2500 kcal.

With hypercholesterolemia, drug therapy may be required, including the use of statins and other lipid-lowering agents, as well as therapeutic apheresis - the removal of LDL cholesterol by passing the patient's blood through a column with a sorbent that binds "bad" cholesterol.

What foods lower cholesterol?

A diet with high cholesterol can significantly lower LDL levels.

Cholesterol-lowering foods are foods that contain unsaturated fatty acids:

• vegetables and fruits - carrots, cabbage, lettuce, avocados, citrus fruits;
• seafood;
• nuts - almonds, macadamia, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, cashews, peanuts, pine nuts;
• fish - salmon, sardines, mackerel, salmon;
• oil seeds - sunflower, flax, poppy, mustard,
• vegetable oils - olive, soybean, rapeseed, linseed, sunflower, peanut.

Plant products and oils contain phytostanols and phytosterols - substances similar to cholesterol and competing with it in the intestinal absorption process. The more plant stanols and sterols enter the body, the less cholesterol penetrates into the blood. The consumption of vegetables and fruits containing stanols reduces the level of endogenous and exogenous cholesterol in a man's blood by 10-15%.

But the intake of these substances with food is not enough for effective reduction XC. Studying how to lower cholesterol, scientists have found that stanol esters are more effective. Their greatest content is noted in vegetable oils... In 1989, the Finnish company Raisio Group mastered the production of products containing stanol esters from rapeseed and soybean oil - mayonnaise, yoghurts, spreads, kefirs, and Benecol milk.

Thanks to the implementation of the program healthy eating and the introduction of the Benecol series "functional food" into the daily diet, mortality of the working-age population in Finland from diseases caused by high levels of cholesterol is 80% lower today than 30 years ago.

How to lower cholesterol with folk remedies?

Traditional methods of lowering cholesterol are based on:

• the use of medicinal plants containing esters of stenols - flax seeds, flaxseed oil;
• the use of plants that stimulate the secretion and outflow of bile - barberry, lingonberry, sacred vitex, hernia, St. John's wort, black cotoneaster, madder;
• preparations from plants that lower blood cholesterol - fragrant collision, licorice, Japanese sophora, Caucasian dioscorea, blue cyanosis.

The most simple and effective remedy fight against "bad" cholesterol is the root of Caucasian or Nippon Dioscorea. On its basis, a medicine for hypercholesterolemia is made - Polisponin. At home, the therapeutic effect can be achieved by taking a powder from the root of the plant. Take a powder with honey, mixing 1 tsp. honey and powder. The mixture should be taken after meals, 3-4 times a day. The course of treatment is 1.5 weeks, then it is necessary to take a break for 5 days and repeat the intake of the mixture.

Possesses a pronounced anticholesterol effect of an infusion of common tar. For its preparation, take 2 tsp. herbs and steamed with 1 glass of boiling water for 2-3 hours. Take ¼ glass 4 times a day.

In maintaining the health of citizens, there are issues that require special consideration, since the increase in the incidence associated with these deviations is growing rapidly. Such issues include the concept of the rate of cholesterol in the blood of an adult, its increase and decrease.

What it is

Cholesterol is a high molecular weight fatty compound that circulates in blood plasma. Since cholesterol itself cannot actively move, it forms a compound with proteins and is called lipoprotein.

About 80% of the cholesterol in the body is produced by the liver and the cells themselves. For the body, it is of the greatest importance, since it is part of the cell membrane, providing each cell with a protective function and stabilizing (i.e., maintaining its shape). Takes an active part in the work of the hormonal system, participates in the formation of bile, metabolism.

Bad and good

The concept of "bad and good cholesterol" in an adult is very conditional, since both are produced by the body independently and perform their functions. "Good" cholesterol, in combination with proteins, forms low-density lipoproteins, which are responsible for transporting cholesterol to cells and forming their membranes.

"Bad" cholesterol is found in the body in minimal amounts and forms high-density lipoproteins with proteins - these are excess cholesterol delivered from cells to the liver for destruction. The compounds of cholesterol with fatty acids and glycerol are called triglycerides. This is the main storage depot for cholesterol needed for the urgent construction of a large number of new cells.

Maintaining a balance between these three factors is essential for well-being and proper functioning of the body:

• The entry of "good" cholesterol from the blood into the cells
• Destruction of excess and incoming "bad" cholesterol
• Availability of a constantly updated depot

As already mentioned, the body provides itself with the necessary amount of cholesterol.

With should come no more than 20-30% of "good", that is, high molecular weight fats that are contained in plant foods.

With the active intake of refractory fats of animal origin (lard, pork fat), the amount of "bad" cholesterol increases, it changes its consistency, and is not able to break it down. This low molecular weight cholesterol sticks to the walls of blood vessels, narrowing their lumen and impairing blood flow. Over time, these deposits thicken and form, they cause hemorrhages in the vascular walls and. This process develops slowly, over decades, but leads to serious circulatory disorders, hypoxia, thrombosis. Large coronary vessels, vessels of the brain, and lower extremities are more often affected.

Carried out in a biochemical laboratory. This requires taking blood from a vein. The rules for preparing for the test are the same as when preparing for general analysis blood.

Lipidogram determines the level of total cholesterol in the blood, as well as each fraction separately (LDL and HDL). At home, portable devices for measuring blood cholesterol levels are used to control the treatment and for prophylaxis at a significant risk of atherosclerosis. But such a device will not completely replace research in a laboratory, and once a year people after forty years old need to take a blood test in a polyclinic.

Cholesterol values ​​in a blood test

Norm

The level of total, "harmful" and "good" cholesterol in the blood varies depending on age, gender, lifestyle. The standard for the norm of cholesterol in human blood is taken from the results of measurements in healthy people of both sexes without bad habits and in healthy children of different age categories.

• The lowest cholesterol index in one-year-old children is 1.8 - 4.5 mmol / l
• It increases with age and by the age of 12 it can reach 4.5 mmol / L
• Further increase depends on the nutrition and physical activity of the child. By the time of puberty, the norm of blood cholesterol in children is about 5.44 mmol / l
• Due to the greater adherence of men to smoking, alcohol abuse and fast food, by the age of 50, their indicators are seriously ahead of women of the same age group.
• in women aged 40-50-60 years is 3.94 - 6.86 mmol / l
• After fifty, women begin to catch up with men's indicators and even bypass them. Such a sharp jump is due to menopause and hormonal changes in the body.

Elevated

Why do some people have high "bad" cholesterol, while others do not? Someone develop atherosclerotic changes, and someone does not even know about the presence of cholesterol in the blood?

the following:

• the main reason is considered to be unhealthy diet, consisting mainly of an abundance of carbohydrates, instant foods, hydrogenated fats and a large amount of sugar consumed. Deficiency in the diet of trace elements, fiber, dietary fiber. The one-time volume of dishes exceeding the required number. Consuming alcohol regularly.
• a sedentary lifestyle leads to decrepitude of muscles, loss of venous tone, weakening of the vascular wall.
• smoking causes the vessels to be in a spasmodic state for a long time, which negatively affects their elasticity.
• chronic diseases of the liver and kidneys, which are responsible for the production of "good" cholesterol.
• hereditary tendency to pathological conditions of the body, leading to increased production of low molecular weight fats.
• some diseases of the endocrine system, hypertension, disorders in the digestive system.

Sedentary image

All of these factors are not a specific cause, but they provoke disorders of fat metabolism and, as a result, the development of atherosclerotic plaques. In this case, a person feels tinnitus, and attention, sleep worsens - with damage to the vessels of the brain. With atherosclerosis of the vessels of the heart: dizziness, chest pain, hypertension.

If the aorta in its abdominal region is affected: indigestion, paroxysmal pain, persistent hypertension, renal failure. manifests itself in severe periodic pain in the calf muscles, a feeling of numbness, coldness of the skin.

Why is lowering dangerous?

Sometimes there is another deviation from the norm -. This is an equally dangerous condition of the body. A person has a weakness of the muscular apparatus, a decrease in reflexes, the risk of developing cancer increases several times, depression and suicidal thoughts appear.

Due to a lack of cholesterol in the blood, the elasticity of blood vessels is disturbed, as a result, a cerebral hemorrhage and the occurrence of a hemorrhagic stroke are possible. Since cholesterol is involved in the synthesis of sex hormones, with a lack of it, infertility can develop. The thyroid gland reacts to a decrease in the level with an active release of hormones, hyperthyroidism occurs.

With an increased level of "bad" cholesterol, you can and should fight. This struggle consists of a set of measures. Treating bad cholesterol with nutrition.

Following the principles of proper nutrition:

• Meals with bad cholesterol should be fractional and small portions, some use separate meals.
• Eliminate complex fats completely, if possible, replace them with vegetable fats.
• Eliminate trans fats, store-bought convenience foods, mayonnaise, margarine, store-bought confectionery.
• Include in the diet as a main course: veal, rabbit, turkey, cereals, legumes, vegetables, fruits and berries, herbs, nuts, herbal teas.
• Use active additives: honey, bran, linseed oil, fish fat.

Cholesterol-lowering foods

Treatment of the underlying disease leading to changes in blood cholesterol levels:

Medication to lower the "bad" cholesterol in the blood. Of the drugs, prophylactic drugs are often used to prevent the development of thrombosis, these are aspiric acid and its derivatives, as well as vitamin complexes, rutin. These remedies are not specific treatments, but rather help the body cleanse and support it.

For the targeted treatment of high blood cholesterol is used. But their use should be under the supervision of a physician, since these drugs have a lot of contraindications and side effects.

Folk recipes

Treatment of bad cholesterol gives good results folk recipes if it started in the early stages of the disease. The best remedy considered lemon mixed with garlic. Decoctions of chamomile, bay leaves are useful, as well as lime tea and rosehip infusion. Green tea with honey has not lost its relevance. You can take a mixture of vegetable and fruit juices to clean the blood vessels.

Fighting high blood cholesterol levels is a long and painstaking job. And like any disorders in the body, the appearance of atherosclerotic plaques is easier to prevent than to cure.