High-density lipoprotein, called "good" cholesterol, is made in the liver. HDL cholesterol slows down the development of atherosclerosis. It removes "bad" cholesterol from all cells, including those responsible for the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
The study of HDL values is an integral part of the main preventive and therapeutic measures aimed at lowering blood lipids.
HDL and LDL
HDL cholesterol is made in the liver. It appears as a particle, consisting mainly of protein, is transported by the blood to all tissues and "takes" lipids from them. "Accepted" cholesterol is transported to the liver, where it becomes part of the bile. Thanks to this mechanism, the body gets rid of excess fat.
LDL is a lipoprotein composed primarily of fat. It is responsible for excess cholesterol in tissues,and also for the formation of atherosclerosis. Therefore, HDL particles act in the opposite way to LDL particles.
"Good" cholesterol is protective
High-density lipoproteins slow down the development of atherosclerosis. In addition, they have an antioxidant effect, which is to remove free radicals that cause damage to the LDL molecule. Damage to LDL particles causes them to stay in the blood for a long time, which contributes to the formation of atherosclerosis. HDL inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory particles in the vessel. This limits the inflammatory processes in it. HDL molecules activate the regenerative potential of the cells lining the vessels. That is, they have an effect:
- anti-sclerotic;
- antioxidant;
- anticoagulants;
- anti-inflammatory.
What lowers HDL levels?
If high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is lowered, this leads to adverse he alth effects. There is a gradual deprivation of the body of the mechanism that regulates the level of overall lipid balance.
Factors that lower HDL levels:
- poor nutrition - high in animal fats, calories; low consumption of vegetables, fruits, fiber;
- cigarette smoking;
- lack of physical activity;
- drugs used – oral contraceptives, androgens, beta-blockers;used for heart disease, thiazides;
- additional diseases: obesity, type 2 diabetes, nephrotic syndrome, chronic renal failure.
These are basically the same factors that cause an increase in LDL levels. Therefore, dietary changes, increased physical activity, smoking cessation, and appropriate treatment of comorbidities should be the basis for the treatment of any lipid disorder. Lifestyle improvement is necessary, also due to the fact that there is still no effective drug that increases the level of HDL in the blood. Medications can help lower LDL levels.
HDL cholesterol and cardiovascular disease
Concentration of "good" cholesterol below the limits is synonymous with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
These include:
- arterial hypertension - pressure above 140/90 mm Hg. Art.;
- coronary artery disease, myocardial ischemia and inadequate oxygen supply. There is a limitation of physical performance, chest pain, myocardial infarction may occur;
- cerebral stroke – can lead to limb paresis, muscle paralysis, limitation in normal functioning;
- renal ischemia that increases with hypertension;
- lower limb ischemia leads topain in limbs and difficulty walking.
Low HDL cholesterol
The lower the concentration of HDL, the higher the risk of the diseases mentioned above. Cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death (after cancer) in highly developed countries. It should be borne in mind that a change in lifestyle after the onset of diseases of the heart and blood vessels can lead to a significant improvement in the patient's well-being and a decrease in certain symptoms. If high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is increased - the development of atherosclerosis is inhibited and even the size of atherosclerotic plaques is reduced. If you combine this with appropriate pharmacological treatment and LDL lowering, you can achieve a really good therapeutic effect. And the risk, for example, of a second myocardial infarction will decrease.
Indications for lipid profile testing
High-density lipoproteins are investigated in the presence of any of the risk factors for diseases of the cardiovascular system, as well as the coexistence of diseases such as:
- diabetes mellitus;
- ischemic heart disease;
- cerebrovascular disease;
- impaired blood flow in peripheral vessels;
- hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
The study is carried out as part of primary he alth prevention. This means that such a test should be carried out in every he althy person at least once every 5 years. Standardly in the study, four parameters are indicated in total:
- general levelcholesterol;
- LDL fractions;
- HDL fractions;
- triglycerides.
Preparation and methodology for studying lipid profile
To examine HDL cholesterol in the blood, the patient needs to prepare for the test in advance. This is the application of a normal diet approximately 3 weeks before the study. It is necessary to avoid overeating, as well as reducing or changing typical eating habits. You should also take drugs that affect lipid metabolism, and completely abandon alcohol.
Immediately before giving a blood sample for research, the patient should refrain from eating for 12-14 hours. Intense physical activity should be avoided, and in case of illness or infection, the study should be postponed for 3 weeks.
After taking a sample of venous blood in plasma, an enzymatic method (using esterase and oxidase) indicates "good" cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is noted in mg / dl or mmol / l.
High-density lipoprotein is normal
The normal level of the fraction of "good" cholesterol is determined depending on gender and is:
- at least 40 mg/dL in men;
- at least 50 mg/dl in women.
Interpretation of research results
In the case of an abnormal HDL level, there is also an increased level of LDL and triglycerides.
You should know that the first recommended form of treatment is always a diet withrestriction of animal fats and lifestyle changes, and only then drugs are applied.
Pharmaceutical products used are fibrates and nicotinic acid.
The first blood lipid follow-up should not be performed earlier than 4 weeks after the start of therapy. Optimal evaluation of treatment occurs after 3 months.
It is worth remembering that there are certain conditions, including completely physiological ones, that are associated with a change in the level of the HDL fraction:
- concentration can be increased in case of regular exercise;
- moderate drinking, mostly red wine;
- using estrogen hormone therapy.
Decreased concentration occurs:
- in some genetically determined diseases such as familial HDL deficiency;
- in patients with diabetes;
- in people with metabolic syndrome;
- for obesity.
Diet - application rules
What to do if high-density lipoproteins are below normal? How to increase HDL levels and reduce blood LDL levels through diet?
The rules for a balanced diet include:
- providing an adequate amount of energy to the body, along with regular meals throughout the day;
- consumption of portions of colorful seasonal fruits and vegetables at each meal - preferably in an amount of at least 1 kg per day;
- inclusion in the dietsources of fiber, such as grain products, provide the body with vitamin B6, which is important in the prevention of heart disease;
- drinking at least 6 glasses of fluid a day - still mineral water, green and white teas and vegetable juices;
- consumption of foods that are a source of phytosterol;
- avoid frying, steaming, stewing and baking without fat.
Foods that increase HDL levels in the body
High density lipoproteins can be increased in the blood if you include the following foods in your daily menu:
- Nuts - contain useful fatty acids that increase the level of "good" cholesterol. What's more, regular consumption of them can improve the ratio of HDL to LDL.
- Cranberries and their juices have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. Based on clinical studies, it is known that in the body of people who consume cranberry juice every day, the level of "good" cholesterol increases.
- Garlic has a beneficial effect on the human immune system, increases its resistance to disease. In addition, eating three cloves of garlic every day can significantly raise your “good” cholesterol levels.
- Bitter Chocolate - Based on clinical studies, it is known that people who regularly consume dark chocolate experience an improvement in their lipid profile. Moreover, it has been noted that the presence of chocolate in the diet can affect the increaseHDL level.
- 250 ml of red wine consumed every day can lead to an increase in the level of "good" cholesterol. Of course, it is worth remembering not to exceed this amount, as excess alcohol has, in turn, a negative impact on he alth.
- Olive oil is a food rich in essential fatty acids that are good for the body. Olive oil is a great addition to various salads.
You should limit your diet to sugar, candy, sugary sodas and processed foods. You should not consume too often foods that are a source of saturated acids, which are present in fatty meat, dairy products, butter, sour cream.
