Quite often, a family doctor (or a physician in another speci alty) prescribes a blood test for cholesterol. It is this indicator, together with the level of sugar in the blood serum, that is especially relevant for patients who are over 45 years old. However, not every one of us understands what cholesterol is and why it is in the body. In our article, we will try to figure out: what is this compound, what is the norm of cholesterol should be in the blood.
What is cholesterol
Cholesterol, or, as it is more correctly called, cholesterol is a lipid (fat),
which is essential for the functioning of the body. Such an important role is due to its entry into the composition of cell membranes. It is the basic compound from which steroid and sex hormones are synthesized. In addition, such an important role of cholesterol is typical not only for the human body, but also for animals and some plants.
Literally, the name of this compound consists of two words: "chole" - bile and "steros" - solid. This name is duea high concentration of this substance in bile, as well as the ability to easily form a precipitate, which is the initial manifestation of atherosclerosis.
The value of cholesterol for the body
First of all, it is worth noting the important role of cholesterol as a structural element of cell membranes. It provides stability and selectivity
permeability of the cell membrane to various, both useful and harmful substances. Cholesterol is the basic basis for steroid and sex hormones (cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone, testosterone). Cholesterol is an integral part of bile and is involved in the transport of fatty acids to the liver as part of chylomicrons. The formation of vitamin D is stimulated by sunlight, as well as a sufficient amount of cholesterol in the blood. Nerve fibers, and in particular the compound - sphingomyelin, are synthesized in the body in sufficient quantities in the presence of cholesterol.
Transport Forms
Circulation of cholesterol in the blood can be carried out as part of 3 types of lipoproteins. Lipoprotein literally translated as "fatty protein", is a special transport component that is synthesized in the liver.
Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) carry fatty acids, glycerol, cholesterol to adipose tissue and all organs. This name is due to the relatively small percentage of cholesterol in the composition of the carrier protein with a predominance of just simple lipids. AfterWhen these tissues are reached by lipoproteins, fatty acids are exchanged, and the relative proportion of cholesterol in the carrier composition increases. Therefore, it is called low-density lipoprotein (LDL), since it is more “heavy” in molecular weight. This form is the most dangerous and is called "bad cholesterol". The rate of development of atherosclerosis with all the ensuing complications depends on its quantity and time of circulation in the bloodstream. High-density lipoproteins (HDL), which contain specific compounds that allow them to capture cholesterol, are a kind of antidote protein. They carry cholesterol back to the liver, where it is excreted as bile.
Another important ingredient is triglycerides, or the already mentioned fatty acids. Although their concentration does not have such a strong effect on the development of atherosclerosis, it is important in the development of lipomatosis (lipid degeneration of internal organs).
What is the norm of cholesterol in the blood
After examining the patient, the doctor usually issues a referral for a lipid profile. This examination includes the indicators described above and allows you to determine the likelihood and progressivity of the development of atherosclerosis.
A patient on an empty stomach takes a blood test. The norm of cholesterol for women and men is the same and ranges from 3.6 to 6.2 mmol / l. Under such conditions, the likelihood of developing atherosclerotic plaques is minimal. For a more accurate assessment, below is a table of cholesterol in the blood, which allows you to navigate the small fluctuations in this indicator depending onfrom age.
If the level of cholesterol in your blood exceeds 6.2 mmol/l, then they speak of moderately high cholesterol. If the blood test shows 7.8 mmol/L or more, this is a very high level.
What is the norm of blood cholesterol for patients who have had a heart attack or stroke? The European Atherosclerosis Society recommends lowering the upper limit to 5.2 mmol/L.
Lipidogram indicators are included in the biochemical analysis and show the level of cholesterol in the blood. The norm of cholesterol-containing transport proteins is indicated below.
| Indicator | Normative value |
| VLDL | 1-1.5g/l |
| LDL | less than 4 mmol/L |
| HDL | 0.7–1.7 mmol/L |
| Triglycerides | less than 200mg/dl |
The norm of blood cholesterol in men is a very important indicator that must be known and maintained within acceptable limits in order to prevent stroke or myocardial infarction.
Causes of high cholesterol
There are several factors that can raise the level of cholesterol in the blood:
- an unbalanced diet containing foods rich in cholesterol (fatty meats, red meat, hard cheeses, lard, confectionery and others);
- lack of exercise or limited mobility contributes to the accumulation of fats and cholesterol in the blood and tissues. Increased activity or physicalwork contributes to the "burning" of fat and a decrease in the concentration of cholesterol;
- excess weight is not only a provocateur of many diseases, but also increases the levels of LDL and triglycerides in the blood;
- bad habits (smoking and alcohol) contribute to changes in the vascular wall, which becomes more sensitive to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques;
- some diseases. This group should include diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, kidney disease and hypothyroidism;
- genetic predisposition. Medicine knows 4 forms of pathology of lipid metabolism, which are called dyslipoproteinemias. With such disorders, there is insufficient synthesis of HDL and excessive formation of LDL, which provokes an increase in cholesterol levels;
- the influence of age and gender. Men are more likely to have elevated blood cholesterol levels. The rate of the indicator increases slightly with age.
How high cholesterol manifests
Specific or certain typical symptoms are not observed in such a patient. To measure cholesterol in the blood, you need to donate blood from a vein for biochemical analysis. Elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood may indicate the development of angina pectoris, the appearance of atherosclerosis, the occurrence of ischemic disorders of the brain, the appearance and increase in the size of xanthoma and xanthelasma, which are deposits of neutral fat in certain areas of the skin.
Risks of high cholesterol
The greatest risk is related to the cardiovascular system. High levels of cholesterol in the blood cause the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on the inner surface of blood vessels. Over time, such formations increase in size and can block the lumen of the vessels. Then there is a clinical picture of atherosclerosis, which most often affects the wall of the arteries of the lower extremities, brain and heart. With an obliterating disease localized on the lower extremities, patients note chilliness and numbness of the feet, a decrease in walking time, and the appearance of trophic skin changes. The maintained rate of cholesterol in the blood in men prevents the occurrence of this pathology. If the heart is affected, then angina pectoris develops first, and subsequently myocardial infarction may occur. With damage to the vessels of the brain, the risk of a stroke increases, which is quite difficult to treat.
Treat high cholesterol
Traditional medicine identifies several groups of drugs that are aimed at inhibiting the synthesis and absorption of cholesterol. Statins are among these drugs. These compounds block a special enzyme - HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a major role in the synthesis of cholesterol. Medicines can be purchased at
any pharmacy and at different prices, depending on the manufacturer. The most common are simvastatin and atorvastatin. Aspirin at a dose of 75-100 mg has the ability to thin the blood and thus reduce the possibility of formationplaques. Drugs to reduce triglycerides are aimed at inhibiting the absorption of fats in the intestines or promote their removal from the body. They are less effective than statins and are used as adjuncts (fibrates, guaric acid). Niacin (or its other name, vitamin B3) will help reduce the concentration of LDL in the blood and slightly improve vascular tone.
Drugs for the treatment of hypertension play a secondary role and are used to prevent the separation of plaques and the development of serious complications - heart attack and stroke, which is especially important for the strong half of humanity. The norm of cholesterol in the blood in men will help prevent the occurrence of the above complications.
Diet
For such patients, the doctor recommends a diet No. 10c according to Pevzner. It provides for a reduction in the content of easily digestible carbohydrates and animal fats, limits consumption
s alt and nitrogenous extractives. It is recommended to enrich the diet with the so-called lipotropic compounds and essential fatty acids, fiber, seafood. Food is taken 5-6 times a day. It is necessary to completely exclude products from pastry, cakes, fatty meats, sausages, canned food, smoked meats. Fatty fish, egg yolks, rice, legumes and broths are also undesirable. Sweet lovers should significantly limit the use of products from creams, ice cream, chocolate.
Plants to fight cholesterol
The greatest activity against "bad cholesterol" hasDioscorea Caucasian. A drug based on it - "Polyspanin" contributes to the normalization of the lipid spectrum of the blood while dieting. Also, they can reduce cholesterol in human blood: black elderberry, silver cinquefoil, erect and goose, elecampane, hawthorn, motherwort, calamus. Garlic-based preparations also have anti-atherogenic effects. Most often in pharmacies you can find Alistat, which is taken 1 tablet 2 times a day. The norm of blood cholesterol in men can be maintained by following a diet and one or two herbal preparations with an anti-atherogenic effect.
