Cholesterol, also known as cholesterol, is a fat-like waxy compound that is responsible for the structure of every cell in the body. A biological substance is necessary for the human body for the implementation of metabolic processes, the production of hormones, and the synthesis of vitamins. Most of it (80%) is produced in the liver, adrenal glands, intestines, and only a small amount (20%) enters the body with food.
The role of cholesterol
According to some myths, cholesterol causes great harm to human he alth. Medicine claims that without this substance, normal cell activity is impossible. Cholesterol is the material from which cell membranes are built, it is a direct participant in the synthesis of steroid hormones and vitamin D.
Due to the presence of cholesterol in the bloodstream, some types of proteins, insoluble waste substances move, the muscles receive proper nutrition. The lack of the required amount of cholesterol leads to degenerative changes in tissues, but its excess also leads todeplorable state of he alth.
The positive effect of cholesterol:
- Protection, synthesis of cell membranes.
- Ensuring full-fledged processes of cellular metabolism, metabolism, cell viability.
- Participation in the production of a number of sex hormones.
- Participation in the biochemical process of producing vitamin D.
- Ensuring the full functioning of the pancreas, participation in the formation of bile.
- Enhances mood, prevents depression, provides antioxidants to the brain.
Impaired balance of lipids and complex protein compounds, which includes cholesterol, causes atherosclerosis. The lesion covers large blood vessels - the aorta of the heart, coronary, cerebral, renal vessels. An increased amount of cholesterol in the blood can cause myocardial infarction, the kidneys, digestive organs, and veins of the lower extremities suffer significant loss of functionality.
Types of cholesterol
Endogenous cholesterol is produced by the human body and enters it with some food. Exogenous or dietary cholesterol is absent in foods of plant origin, but is fully represented in foods of animal origin.
Elevated levels of endogenous cholesterol have a positive effect on many life processes, and an increase in dietary cholesterol often leads to many diseases. A fat-like substance cannot move independently in the bloodstream, therefore, for its transportation toliver cells produce lipoproteins.
The main ones:
- LDL - low density lipoproteins. The task of this transport group is to transport triglycerides and cholesterol from liver cells to body tissues. This type of lipoprotein is able to form deposits on the walls of blood vessels, causing hypertension, strokes, and heart attacks. For ease of perception, LDL is called "bad" cholesterol.
- HDL (high-density lipoproteins) - remove cholesterol from tissue cells to the liver, with further transportation to the intestine, followed by excretion from the body. A high HDL ratio guarantees a reduction in the risks of pathologies of the cardiovascular system, strokes, high blood pressure.
Both types of lipoproteins are indispensable for the body and perform their tasks, imbalance of substances leads to diseases.
No less important in lipid metabolism is triglyceride (TG). It performs the function of transporting fats, its elevated levels also indicate the risk of atherosclerosis.
Indications for testing
The main factors for the appointment of blood donation to determine the lipid spectrum and cholesterol levels are:
- Liver disease.
- Endocrine system dysfunctions.
- Pathologies of the pancreas, kidneys.
- Risk of atherosclerosis of the heart vessels, diagnosed pathologies of the heart and blood vessels.
- Overweight (obesity).
Lipidogram
A cholesterol test is called a lipidogram. Reason for research is:
- A preventive measure to determine the total cholesterol level is recommended for each person once every 5 years. For patients with obesity and prescribed diet therapy, it is a mandatory item for monitoring the effectiveness of therapeutic measures.
- Suspicion of heart disease. The category of patients includes people with high blood pressure, over 40 years of age, overweight, diagnosed with ischemic myocardial disease.
The results show the numerical value of the amount of two lipid groups and trigleride.
Lipidogram indicators
To find out the ratio of cholesterol indicators, it is possible only through a biochemical study of blood serum. The results show the following data:
- Total cholesterol
- Dense lipoprotein (HDL) levels.
- Light lipoprotein (LDL) level.
- Triglyceride (TG) levels.
Blood cholesterol indicators are not measured in final numbers, but in acceptable values, the units of measurement are mmol per liter (mmol/l).
Table 1. Average blood cholesterol level, norm for adults
| Amount (mmol/L) | Meaning |
| Under 5.2 | Normal performance |
| Under 6.2 | Norm Limits |
| Over 6.2 | Significant excess of the norm |
Table 2. Blood cholesterol levels, LDL norms and deviations (men and women)
| Amount (mmol/L) | Meaning |
| Under 1.8 | Standard norm for patients with suspected cardiovascular disease |
| Under 2.61 | Norm for patients with myocardial pathology |
| No more than 3.31 | Normal total |
| No more than 4.11 | Limit value of the norm |
| No more than 4.99 | Advanced Level |
| Over 4.99 | Significant excess of the norm |
Table 3. Blood cholesterol levels, norms and deviations for HDL (men and women)
| Gender | Amount (mmol/L) | meaning |
| General | More than 1, 6 | Great |
| Men | From 1, 0 and no more than 1, 31 | Standard norm |
| Women | From 1, 31 and no more than 1, 51 | Standard norm |
| Men | Below 1, 0 | Increased |
| Women | Below 1, 3 | Increased |
Table 4. Norm and deviation of triglycerides
| Amount (mmol/L) | Meaning |
| Below 1, 7 | Standard norm |
| Less than 1, 7 and no more than 2, 2 | Maximum allowable |
| Less than 2,3 and not higher than 5, 6 | Increased value |
| More than 5, 6 | Alarmingly high |
What causes deviations from the norm
The analysis shows the norm of cholesterol in the blood or, which happens much more often, an excess of indicators. Sometimes a low level is observed, this happens in such cases:
- Prolonged fasting, strict diet, malabsorption of fats in the intestines.
- Received burns that damaged a significant part of the tissues.
- Hypothyroidism is an insufficiency of the thyroid gland (low production of hormones).
- Presence of certain diseases (anemia, multiple myeloma, thalassemia, etc.)
- Development of a severe form of infectious lesions, sepsis.
- Malignant tumors, liver cirrhosis.
- Lung pathologies, tuberculosis.
- Long-term estrogen medication.
Increased cholesterol levels are provoked by the following diseases or conditions:
- Stress, anorexia, pregnancy.
- Addictions (smoking, alcoholism).
- Metabolism and metabolism disorder.
- A diet based on the consumption of predominantly fatty, carbohydrate foods.
Age-related changes in women
The content of cholesterol in the blood changes over the years, small deposits appear on the walls of blood vessels - atherosclerotic plaques. The norm of cholesterol in the blood in men after 30 years in most cases has already been exceeded. womenprotects the hormone progesterone for a long time, and therefore, until about 35 years of age, no deviations in cholesterol levels are observed.
The first physiological changes overtake a woman around the age of 40, during this period there is a slight excess of cholesterol in the blood.
Quantitative indicators against the background of general he alth should fluctuate within the following limits:
- Total cholesterol is less than 3.631 mmol/L but not more than 6.381 mmol/L.
- LDL (light lipoproteins) - less than or equal to 1.941 mmol/l, but not more than 4.151 mmol/l.
- HDL - (dense lipoprotein) less than or equal to 0.881 mmol/L, but not higher than 2.121 mmol/L.
In general, with an increase in the number of years, the norm of cholesterol in the blood in women shows higher numbers, which is associated with impending menopause. After forty years, metabolic processes slow down, there is a significant change in the hormonal background in the direction of reducing the production of progesterone and estrogen.
Norms of blood cholesterol in women after 40 years of age allow fluctuations in indicators within the range of at least 3, 911 mmol / l and not more than 6, 531 mmol / l. But most often there is an excess of the level of "bad" cholesterol. The reasons for this process are bad habits, irrational, vitamin-depleted nutrition, lifestyle and physical activity disorders. Chronic diseases are added - kidney pathologies, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart failure, etc.
Dangers for men
The norm of cholesterol in the blood of men, overcome indirection of increase rapidly. By the age of 30, representatives of the strong half of humanity in most diagnoses have atherosclerotic plaques in the vessels. This is due to the fact that the heart and blood vessels in men do not have powerful hormonal protection, as is the case in women.
The norm of cholesterol in the blood of men is largely exceeded by their own efforts - unhe althy diet, low physical activity, addictions, workaholism, stress lead to early stress on blood vessels, the development of serious diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart failure, myocardial infarction, hypertension, stroke.
And if in the female body up to 50 years there is a constant increase in the pathological process, and after the half-century anniversary, cholesterol begins to decrease and even come to normal levels without much effort. Then men do not have such natural mechanisms, so diseases overtake them much earlier than old age comes.
In men, the norm of cholesterol in the blood after 50 years should be in the range of at least 4, 091 mmol / l and not exceed 7, 171 mmol / l. In fact, the situation often looks ominous and most men experience symptoms of hypercholesterolemia.
Signs of pathology:
- Narrowing of the coronary arteries causes angina attacks.
- Increased blood pressure.
- Heart failure.
- New growths (wen) appear on the body.
- Severe breathlessness even with little activity.
- Pain in the lower extremities.
- Microstrokes.
Prevention and exit from an unhe althy state is a gradual increase in physical activity, diet, and the rejection of addictions. Even small shifts towards he althy eating habits can help you reach your blood cholesterol levels at age 50 and older.
Cholesterol and adulthood in women
With the onset of menopause, an increase in blood cholesterol is diagnosed in 30% of women. Moreover, the older the lady enters, the faster the norm is exceeded. At the same time, women do not feel the deterioration of their condition, even the most sensitive and disciplined do not notice any changes in their condition and therefore rarely seek diagnosis, diagnosis. Doctors recommend regular cholesterol checks starting at age 45.
The norm of cholesterol in the blood of women at the age of 50 is at least 4, 201 mmol/l and not exceed 7, 381 mmol/l. The framework of indicators is relevant up to 55 years. At this time, the body is preparing for menopause, the menstrual cycle begins to go astray, there is not just a slowdown, but an increasing inhibition of metabolic and metabolic processes.
After 60
Many women, after their 50th anniversary, for the first time face manifestations of chronic diseases, a rapid increase in body weight, which loads all body systems and, first of all, blood vessels, myocardium and the endocrine system. The norm of cholesterol in the blood in women at the age of 60 should be kept within the limits of at least 4, 451 mmol / l andno more than 7, 771 mmol/L.
If chronic diseases have already been diagnosed, then it is necessary to monitor the general condition and he alth doubly, since the level of cholesterol in the blood after 60 years will be clearly above the norm.
Normal cholesterol levels in women undergo constant changes, which is associated with a wide range of hormonal changes. Moreover, a drop in the number of female sex hormones that protect the body from a wide range of diseases provokes an avalanche of pathologies and complications, including a rapid increase in cholesterol.
Norm of blood cholesterol in women over 60:
- Total cholesterol – ≧ 7.81 mmol/l.
- HDL (light lipoproteins) ≧ 2, 411 mmol/l.
- LDL (dense lipoproteins) – ≧ 5, 711 mmol/L.
In the same age period, the rate of cholesterol in the blood at the age of 60 in men is lower and should be at a level of no more than 7, 711 mmol / liter.
It is extremely important for older people, regardless of gender, to constantly monitor their he alth status, be sure to include monitoring of cholesterol levels in preventive examinations. Such foresight will make it possible to maintain the norm of cholesterol in the blood by age and avoid global serious diseases that provoke impaired lipid metabolism, cholesterol plaques and chronic pathologies.
How to prepare for the test
To determine the indicators of cholesterol in the blood samplingmaterials produced from a vein. To obtain correct results, the analysis is done on an empty stomach, for this reason it is preferable to donate blood in the morning.
The day before, you should adhere to some restrictions:
- Exclude fatty foods from the menu.
- Reduce or eliminate physical activity.
- Skip medication if possible (needs to be discussed with doctor).
After taking blood from a vein, you should go out into the fresh air, drink sweet tea. The results are usually ready and issued the next day. In the form with the final indicators, the levels of HDL, LDL, triglycerides will be noted. The methods by which the studies were carried out are also indicated.
Evaluation of the results must be entrusted to the doctor, who will correlate them with the general condition of the patient, current chronic diseases, take into account the medications that the patient takes on an ongoing basis, and only after that will issue a verdict. It’s not worth drawing conclusions on your own, there are much more chances to make mistakes and get upset.
Supplement
Table 5. Norms of blood cholesterol by age in adults (mmol/l)
| Years | Gender | Total cholesterol | LDL | HDL |
| 20 to 25 | Men | ≧5, 59 | ≧ 3, 81 | ≧ 1, 63 |
| Women | ≧ 5, 59 | ≧ 4, 12 | ≧ 2, 04 | |
| Up to 30 | Men | ≧ 6,32 | ≧ 4, 27 | ≧ 1, 63 |
| Women | ≧ 5, 75 | ≧ 4, 25 | ≧ 2, 15 | |
| Up to 35 | Men | ≧ 6, 58 | ≧ 4, 79 | ≧ 1, 63 |
| Women | ≧ 5, 96 | ≧ 4, 04 | ≧ 1, 99 | |
| Up to 40 | Men | ≧ 6, 99 | ≧ 4, 45 | ≧ 2, 12 |
| Women | ≧ 6, 27 | ≧ 4, 45 | ≧ 2, 12 | |
| Up to 45 | Men | ≧ 6, 93 | ≧ 4, 82 | ≧ 1, 73 |
| Women | ≧ 6, 53 | ≧ 4, 51 | ≧ 2, 28 | |
| Up to 50 | Men | ≧ 7, 15 | ≧ 5, 23 | ≧ 1, 67 |
| Women | ≧ 6, 87 | ≧ 4, 82 | ≧ 2, 24 | |
| Up to 55 | Men | ≧ 7, 17 | ≧ 5, 10 | ≧ 1, 64 |
| Women | ≧ 7, 38 | ≧ 5, 21 | ≧ 2, 39 |
Table 6. Norm of cholesterol in the blood after 60 years (mmol/l)
| Years | Gender | Total cholesterol | LDL | HDL |
| Up to 60 | Men | ≧ 7, 15 | ≧ 5, 26 | ≧ 1, 84 |
| Women | ≧ 7, 77 | ≧ 5, 44 | ≧ 2, 35 | |
| Up to 65 | Men | ≧ 7, 16 | ≧ 5, 45 | ≧ 1,91 |
| Women | ≧ 7, 69 | ≧ 5, 99 | ≧ 2, 38 | |
| Up to 70 | Men | ≧ 7, 10 | ≧ 5, 34 | ≧ 1, 94 |
| Women | ≧ 7, 85 | ≧ 5, 72 | ≧ 2, 481 | |
| After 70 | Men | ≧ 6, 86 | ≧ 5, 34 | ≧ 1, 94 |
| Women | ≧ 7, 25 | ≧ 5, 34 | ≧ 2, 38 |
How to lower cholesterol
It is necessary to take systematic measures to lower cholesterol and bring it to normal levels. Cholesterol in the blood can be lowered using the recommendations of doctors, which includes:
- Exclusion from the daily menu of dishes with animal fats.
- Eat fiber-rich foods - bran, green vegetables, seeds, fruits, whole grains.
- Drinking fresh juices (beetroot, orange, apple, etc.)
- Changing the nutrition system to a fractional one, at least 5 meals, the size of the serving, approximately, should be equal to the folded palm.
- Increase physical activity - fitness (age-appropriate), cycling, swimming, etc.
- Maintain constant monitoring of your weight, it is important not to allow it to increase.
- Farewell to bad habits.
- Avoiding and eliminating stress, overwork from your life.
BAt any age, it is important to control the state of he alth. From a certain period of life, it is necessary to correct addictions and habits so as not to exceed the norm of cholesterol in the blood after 50 years, 20 or 40 years. This does not require special efforts, it is enough to adhere to the standard recommendations of doctors in lifestyle.
