home All hormones HDL high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. What is it and what functions do drugs perform in the body? Reasons for false results

HDL high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. What is it and what functions do drugs perform in the body? Reasons for false results

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is called “bad cholesterol” for a reason. By clogging blood vessels with clots (up to complete blockage), they significantly increase the risk of atherosclerosis with the most serious complications: myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, stroke and death.

LDL - what is it?

Low-density lipoproteins are the result of the metabolism of lipoproteins with very low and intermediate densities. The product contains an important component: apolipoprotein B100, which serves as a link for contact with cell receptors and the ability to penetrate inside it.

This type of lipoprotein is synthesized in the blood using the enzyme lipoprotein lipase and partially in the liver, with the participation of hepatic lipase. The LDL core is 80% fat (mainly cholesterol esters).

The main task of LDL is to deliver cholesterol to peripheral tissues. At normal operation they deliver cholesterol into the cell, where it is used to create a strong membrane. This leads to a decrease in its content in the blood.

Product contains:

21% protein;
4% triglycerols;
41% CS esters;
11% free cholesterol.

If LDL receptors do not function properly, lipoproteins stratify the vessels, accumulating in the bloodstream. This is how atherosclerosis develops, the main symptom of which is a narrowing of the lumen in the vessels and disruptions in the circulatory system.

The pathological process leads to severe consequences in the form of ischemic heart disease, heart attack, age-related dementia, stroke. Atherosclerosis develops in any organ - heart, brain, eyes, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, legs.

Of all types of lipoproteins, LDL is the most atherogenic, since it contributes more than others to the progression of atherosclerosis.

Who is prescribed an LDL test?

LDL must be determined in a biochemical blood test:

For young people over 20 years old, once every 5 years: they should check the risk level of atherosclerosis;
If tests reveal elevated total cholesterol;
Persons at risk of heart disease (when facts of unexpected death, heart attack in young (under 45 years) relatives, coronary syndrome are recorded in the family);
With blood pressure exceeding the hypertensive threshold 140/90 mmHg;
Diabetics with diabetes of any type, patients with impaired glucose tolerance should be examined annually;
For obesity with a female waist circumference of 80 cm and 94 cm - male;
If symptoms of lipid metabolism disorders are identified;
Every six months - for ischemic heart disease, after a stroke and heart attack, aortic aneurysm, leg ischemia;
A month and a half after the start therapeutic diet or LDL-lowering medication therapy to monitor results.

Normal level of LDL in the blood

Two methods have been developed for measuring LDL levels: indirect and direct. For the first method, use the formula: LDL = total cholesterol – HDL – (TG/2.2). These calculations take into account that cholesterol can be in 3 fractions - low, very low and high density. To obtain the results, 3 studies are carried out: for total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerol. There is a risk of analytical bias with this approach.

Reliably determine the concentration LDL cholesterol in the blood of an adult it is not easy; in general, it is assumed that VLDL cholesterol contains approximately 45% of the total volume of triglycerides. The formula is suitable for calculations when the triglycerol content does not exceed 4.5 mmol/l and there are no chylomicrons (blood chylosis).

An alternative method involves directly measuring LDL in the blood. The norms of this indicator determine international standards, they are the same for all laboratories. In the analysis form they can be found in the “Reference values” section.

In adults, LDL is normally in the range of 1.2-3.0 mmol/L.

How to decipher your results

Age, chronic diseases, family history and other risk criteria adjust the parameters of the LDL norm. When choosing a diet or drug treatment The doctor’s task is to reduce LDL to the personal norm of a particular patient!

Features of the individual LDL norm:

Up to 2.5 mmol/l – for patients with heart failure, diabetics, hypertensive patients taking medications that lower blood pressure, as well as hereditary predisposition(there were relatives with CVD in the family - men under 55 years old, women under 65 years old).
Up to 2.0 mmol/l - for patients who have already had a stroke, heart attack, aortic aneurysm, transistor ischemic attacks and other severe consequences of atherosclerosis.

LDL cholesterol in the blood of women may differ slightly from the male norm in the direction of increase. Children have their own risk groups. The pediatrician deciphers these test results.

How to prepare for the examination

The analysis is carried out in a relatively good state of health. The day before you should not prescribe special diet, take biologically active additives or medications.

Blood is drawn from a vein on an empty stomach, 12 hours after the last meal. The patient should be at rest: a week before the examination, you cannot actively engage in sports, and heavy physical activity is not recommended.

During exacerbation chronic illnesses, after heart attack, operations, injuries, after surgical diagnostics(laparoscoria, bronchosopia, etc.) you can take tests no earlier than six months later.

In pregnant women, LDL levels are lower, so it makes sense to conduct research no earlier than a month and a half after the birth of the child.

LDL analysis is carried out in parallel with other types of examination:

What you need to know about LDL

Some lipoproteins of this type, when moving through the bloodstream, lose the ability to bind to their receptors. The size of LDL particles is only 19-23 nm. Increasing the level contributes to their accumulation on inside arteries.

This factor changes the structure of blood vessels: the modified lipoprotein is absorbed by macrophages, turning it into a “foam cell”. This moment gives rise to atherosclerosis.

This group of lipoproteins has the highest atherogenicity: being small in size, they freely penetrate cells, quickly entering into chemical reactions.
The fact of determining LDL is typical for high concentration triglycerol.

LDL is lowered - what does this mean? The following factors may influence the results:

Reduces indicators - thyroxine thyroid gland, estrogens and progesterone (female hormones), essential phospholipids, vitamins C and B6, small doses alcoholic drinks, dosed systematically exercise stress, balanced diet.
And if HDL is elevated, what does that mean? Increase cholesterol concentrations - beta-blockers, estrogens, loop diuretics, hormonal contraceptives, alcohol and tobacco abuse, overeating with fatty and high-calorie foods.

Reasons for changes in LDL levels

Prerequisites that contribute to a decrease in LDL concentrations may be
congenital pathologies lipid metabolism:

If LDL is low, secondary pathologies may be the cause:

Hyperthyroidism - overactivity of the thyroid gland;
Liver pathologies - hepatitis, cirrhosis, congestive CVD with excess blood in the liver;
Inflammation and infectious diseases- pneumonia, tonsillitis, sinusitis, peritonsillar abscess.

If LDL is elevated, the causes must be congenital hyperlipoproteinemia:

The cause of increased HDL can also be secondary hyperlipoproteinemia in the form of:

Preventing the consequences of HDL imbalance

How to treat increased level HDL?

The basis for stabilizing LDL levels is lifestyle changes:

Change eating behavior towards a low-calorie diet with a minimum amount of fat.
Weight control, measures to normalize it.
Systematic aerobic training.

Compliance proper nutrition(calorie intake from fatty foods – no more than 7%) and active image life can reduce LDL levels by 10%.

How to normalize LDL if, within two months of observing these conditions, LDL levels have not reached the desired level? In such cases, medications are prescribed - lovastatin, atorvastatin, simvastatin and other statins, which must be taken constantly under the supervision of a doctor.

How to reduce the likelihood of the aggressive effects of “bad” cholesterol, watch the video

"Very bad" cholesterol

Among the 5 main carriers of cholesterol are very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), which have maximum atherogenic capabilities. They are synthesized in the liver, the size of the protein-fat substance is from 30 to 80 nm.

Since blood contains up to 90% water, fats need “packaging” – protein – for transportation. The amount of protein and fat in lipoproteins indicates their density.

The larger the lipoproteins, the higher their fat content, and, therefore, the danger for blood vessels. For this reason, VLDL is the “badest” of all analogues. They provoke severe consequences of atherosclerosis (heart attack, ischemic heart disease, stroke).

Contains VLDL:

10% proteins;
54% triglycerides;
7% free cholesterol;
13% esterified cholesterol.

Their main purpose is to transport triglyceride and cholesterol produced in the liver into fat and muscle. By delivering fat, VLDL creates a powerful energy depot in the blood, since their processing produces the most calories.

In contact with HDL, they give up triglycerides and phospholipids and take up cholesterol esters. Thus, VLDL is transformed into a type of lipoprotein with an intermediate density, a high level of which threatens atherosclerosis, CVD, and brain accidents.

Their concentration in the blood is measured using the same formulas; the norm for VLDL is up to 0.77 mmol/l. The reasons for deviations from the norm are similar to the reasons for fluctuations in LDL and triglycerides.

How to neutralize “bad” cholesterol - advice from Dr. Galina Grossman in this video

A blood test for cholesterol and LDL allows you to determine whether their levels have deviated from the norm. If this happens to a greater extent, it means that atherosclerosis is developing in the body, which reduces the elasticity of blood vessels and causes increased thrombus formation, blockage of an artery or vein with a blood clot. Low level cholesterol is also dangerous, since without it many processes cannot occur in the body.

Cholesterol is a fatty natural alcohol, most of which is synthesized by the liver, the rest enters the body from food. With the help of this substance, the membranes of all cells of the body are formed. Steroid hormones, including sex hormones, are also synthesized on its basis. In addition, cholesterol has a positive effect on strengthening bones, participates in the functioning of the immune, nervous, digestive systems, performs a number of other very important functions.

But if the amount of cholesterol exceeds the norm, it begins to fall out on the walls of blood vessels and form growths, reducing the elasticity of the arteries and veins. This causes disruption of blood flow and can cause blockage of the vessel with a blood clot. This problem is explained by the fact that cholesterol is not able to dissolve in water. To get to cells, it forms compounds with lipoproteins of different densities - medium, low and high. This is the name given to compounds that consist of lipids and proteins.

Low-density lipids (LDL or LDL) and medium density are responsible for transporting cholesterol through the blood to cells. After the cells take up the amount of cholesterol they need, the remains are picked up by high-density lipoproteins (HDL or HDL) and taken to the liver for processing.

You should also know that LDL doesn't dissolve very well either. Therefore, along the way, cholesterol precipitates on the walls of blood vessels. U healthy person Enzymes are located near the vascular walls, which the sediment destroys. But with age, these components become less and less, and the cholesterol deposit gradually becomes attached to the vascular walls. Especially if HDL in the body is below normal, while the amount of LDL is increased.

At first, the growth that settles on the vascular walls is characterized by a loose consistency. At this stage it can still be dissolved. But there is also a danger here: at any moment a small part of the plaque can come off and clog the vessel. This means that the tissues it serves will be deprived of nutrition, which will lead to their death. That is why atherosclerosis of the vessels of the brain or heart is the cause of heart attacks, which are often fatal.

As the plaque forms, it becomes hard and replaces the vascular wall. As the walls are destroyed, they bleed, which leads to increased formation of blood clots: this is how the body tries to heal the blood vessels. After some time, the vascular walls lose elasticity and become brittle, as a result of which hemorrhage can occur at any time.

How to decipher the results

The development of atherosclerosis can be suspected if a person is sedentary lifestyle life, is obese, prefers foods with high levels of animal fats. Diabetics, as well as those people who have problems with the thyroid gland, liver, and kidneys, are at risk.

You should also know that LDL cholesterol levels begin to rise in men, while HDL cholesterol levels begin to fall after the age of twenty, and in women after menopause. Constant stress, smoking, and alcohol also cause high cholesterol and LDL levels, as well as low HDL levels.

Doctors recommend that women and men have a lipid profile at least once a year. Since atherosclerosis does not manifest itself in any way at the initial stages, this will allow you to promptly notice the deviation of cholesterol, HDL, LDL from the norm, and prevent the development of a heart attack, stroke or other serious problems.

A lipidogram is a study that allows you to determine the level of cholesterol, LDL, HDL in the blood, as well as understand the state of fat metabolism in the body. It is carried out using a biochemical blood test.

First, the level of total cholesterol in the blood of women and men is determined. Standards may vary from laboratory to laboratory. Therefore, you definitely need to pay attention to the indicated numbers, which are located next to the decoding of personal data: these are the standards adopted in the laboratory where the analysis was carried out.

It is believed that the norm of total cholesterol in the blood of women and men should be:

For a doctor to get a clear picture of the state of lipid metabolism, knowledge about the level of total cholesterol alone is not enough. You also need to know the concentration of HDL and LDL in the blood. Therefore, he orders a blood test for the amount of lipoproteins of different densities.

The LDL values below indicate the following conditions:

up to 2.5 mmol/l (low probability of myocardial infarction);
2.6 - 3.3 mmol/l - optimal indicators;
3.4 - 4.1 mmol/l - increased values;
4.1 – 4.9 mmol/l – high concentration;
more than 4.9 mmol/l – very high risk of heart attack.

The doctor should also know how much high-density lipoprotein a person contains in his blood. Number of HDL in healthy body women should be above 1.68 mmol/l. In a man, the normal HDL level in the blood exceeds 1.45 mol/l.

Reasons for deviations

Increased amounts of cholesterol and LDL, as well as low amounts of HDL in women and men can be caused by the following reasons:

unhealthy diet, when food contains a high level of carbohydrates, trans fats, and very little fiber, pectin, vitamins, minerals, vegetable fats;
obesity, overeating;
alcohol abuse, smoking;
bile stagnation and other liver problems;
kidney diseases;
some medications;
problems with the pancreas, thyroid gland;
increased production of hormones synthesized by the adrenal cortex;
some viral infections;
in women - pregnancy.

Low cholesterol levels in women and men are also dangerous because they indicate the development of serious diseases. Such values are observed after long fasts, due to serious burns. It happens when the body is unable to digest fats normally, which indicates a serious metabolic disorder and requires medical care.

Cholesterol can be reduced in tuberculosis, chronic heart failure, acute infectious diseases, blood poisoning, cirrhosis, and oncology. In this case, the person needs urgent medical attention. Otherwise there will be death.

Biochemical analysis shows low cholesterol levels in vegetarians. This is due to the fact that their food does not contain animal fats. Therefore, vegetarians should take care of the presence of cholesterol-rich foods in their food.

The interpretation of the analysis may show a deviation from the norm if the person took any medications (including contraceptives) before the analysis. You should also not subject your body to physical activity before donating blood.

After the doctor receives a transcript of the biochemical analysis, if the results are unsatisfactory, he will prescribe treatment based on the individual characteristics of the body. In addition to taking medications, the patient is required to follow a diet that will reduce or increase the level of natural fatty alcohol in the body (depending on the nature of the disease). If you do not adhere to it, treatment with medications alone may be ineffective.

Problems with cholesterol and especially its increased content in the blood, called hypercholesterolemia, are a very widespread problem and one of the most common reasons, which causes myocardial infarction and a number of other serious diseases.

Lipids are fats necessary for the body, but they are insoluble in liquid and cannot be a component of our blood. Therefore, for their delivery to cells, a certain binder is needed, which is cholesterol. There are several types of cholesterol, each with its own functions.

HDL cholesterol. What he really is

Cholesterol is an organic compound that is mostly produced by the liver and plays a special role in fat metabolism occurring in the human body.

There are 3 main types of cholesterol:

general;
LDL;
HDL.

The first letter LP in the abbreviation means lipoproteins, and NP and VP of high and low density, respectively. The term cholesterol fractions are also often used: atherogenic and antiatherogenic, LDL and HDL, respectively. Such names indicate an increased and decreased risk of developing atherosclerosis.

If we talk in simple language, then LDL is a form of cholesterol that serves to deliver total cholesterol to the tissues of the body, and HDL cholesterol is responsible for its delivery at the cellular level.

It is high-density cholesterol that is transported between the vessels of the heart, arteries, and brain vessels, and, in addition, if excess cholesterol is formed in the cells, it is responsible for their elimination.

In addition to the liver, a small amount of cholesterol is produced by the adrenal glands and intestines, and it also enters the body along with gray hair. In particular, it is found in foods such as:

meat of any species of animals;
eggs;
fish;
milk products.

High HDL cholesterol is not as dangerous for the body as LDL, but violations of the norm can indicate a number of problems and also require close attention.

What are the norms of HDL and LDL

When diagnosing many diseases, as well as for preventive purposes, tests are taken and the general level cholesterol and its subtypes.

Such an analysis is necessary if a disease is suspected;

of cardio-vascular system;
vessels;
liver.

Elevated LDL cholesterol levels are very dangerous because circulatory system and blood vessels begin to form cholesterol plaques, growing on their walls and turning into blood clots, which can break off at any moment and lead to serious consequences, including fatal outcome. Such a blood clot breaks off suddenly and can affect a person at any age.

Therefore, constant monitoring of total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and maintaining them at the proper level is necessary.

Standards for men:

Total cholesterol from 3 to 6 mmol/l;
LDL - 2.25-4.82 mmol/l;
HDL - 0.7-1.73 mmol/l.

Standards for women:

Total cholesterol 3 to 6 mmol/l;
LDL - 1.92-4.51 mmol/l;
HDL - 0.86-2.28 mmol/l.

Bad and good cholesterol

Of course in the official medical terms There is no concept of bad and good cholesterol. However, this is what they are called by the people due to the fact that cholesterol plaques are formed only by LDL, and such cholesterol is considered bad, HDL cholesterol does not take any part in their formation and, on the contrary, removes excess cholesterol from the body, it is called good, although such a term very conditional.

There is a special CAT (atherogenicity) coefficient, which is calculated as the balance of bad and good cholesterol.

Calculation formula: CAT = (O-X)/X, where O is total cholesterol, and X is HDL, respectively.

The norm of this coefficient varies from 2 to 4 depending on the age of the person, and its excess indicates an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis and coronary disease hearts.

What are triglycerides

These are special derivatives of glycerol. At their core, they act as suppliers and sources of energy for the cells of our body. They are associated with HDL and are delivered to cells by the same mechanism through lipoproteins.

What is a lipidogram

A lipidogram, or blood test for lipids, is nothing more than biochemical analysis, which gives the most full information about the fat metabolic process in the body and the abnormalities present in it.

Indications for a lipid profile are:

jaundice, which is of the extrahepatic type;
cardiovascular diseases;
heart attack;
atherosclerosis;
diabetes.

Blood collection for laboratory research done in the morning on an empty stomach. In addition, a few days before it is recommended to completely stop smoking and drinking alcohol.

You can get a lipid profile at most clinics or medical centers. To get tests done for free, contact your local physician.

Based on the results of the lipid profile, the exact amount of cholesterol and its subtypes, including HDL, is determined in the blood. If your HDL cholesterol test shows abnormalities, you should consult a doctor.

Deviations from the norm

If HDL is constantly elevated, then, despite the fact that this cholesterol is considered good, it is necessary to undergo examination and take measures to lower it, as this may indicate abnormalities in the body, which include:

hyperlipoproteinemia, which is hereditary;
liver cirrhosis in the primary form;
chronic course of hepatitis;
chronic poisoning of the body due to alcoholism or drug addiction.
ischemia and heart attack;
a diet rich in fats and carbohydrates;
malignant tumor of the pancreas.

Elevated HDL levels are common in pregnant women and are also side effect from taking certain medications.

If HDL is low this may mean:

starvation;
sepsis;
pulmonary form of tuberculosis;
anemia;
cachexia.

What to do

The first step is to normalize your diet. Moreover, it is not recommended to completely exclude fatty foods from it. You just need to bring the energy share of fats in the total energy balance entering the body with food to 30%.

Also, if you need to decide how to increase HDL cholesterol, you need to give preference polyunsaturated fats, and use instead butter soy or olive.

Important! Highly saturated fats include everything that is of animal origin. Refusal of them will significantly reduce the supply bad cholesterol into the body.

Very useful in the fight against high cholesterol is plant fiber.

Most of it is in products such as:

oats and barley;
peas and dried beans;
apples and pears;
carrot.

It is necessary to get rid of excess weight and lead an active lifestyle. It is obese people who most often have high cholesterol levels and all the ensuing problems. Physical activity and sports are The best way return cholesterol levels to normal.

Those who smoke need to give up tobacco as quickly as possible, which not only raises cholesterol levels, but is also very harmful to the cardiovascular system.

Lipids are fats that do not dissolve in water, so in its purest form they are not present in the blood because they cannot move and be transported along with the bloodstream.

Therefore, nature provided a cohesive substance in which fats acquire solubility in the blood and greater mobility - these are lipoproteins (or lipoproteins). They are a complex consisting of fats and proteins, externally resembling a soft, waxy mass, which is found in almost all parts of the body, and is part cellular structures. To many, this substance is better known as cholesterol.

It is not enough to know one concept; for diagnostic purposes, specialists analyze the state of the subclasses and fractions of this complex compound. One such subgroup is high-density lipoprotein (or HDL). Today we will tell you what HDL is in a biochemical blood test, what deviations indicate, and what the norm is acceptable for a healthy person.

Which cholesterol is good and which is bad?

No matter how surprising it may sound to some, cholesterol does not always cause harm to the body; in acceptable quantities, it is even necessary for the body to build cell membranes, to participate in metabolic processes, the production of sex hormones and much more.

Scientists have long been dividing cholesterol into “bad” and “good”. We usually get the bad one with food, along with fried sausages, sausages, canned food, smoked meats, fast food, mayonnaise and other very fatty and heavy foods. This does not mean that the body does not need it at all; it is capable of supporting and stimulating well. immune system, but only when it is in permissible quantity.

Good, healthy cholesterol is produced by the human body to combat negative particles and normalize vital processes.

This is the high-density lipoprotein in question. It helps drive harmful substances back into the liver for processing, serves building material for cells, helps regulate the production of hormones by the adrenal glands, and is also responsible for psycho-emotional state person, does not allow the occurrence depressive state And sharp changes moods. In layman's terms, HDL is the “good” cholesterol. And therefore if HDL is lowered, this is absolutely not good sign, in this case, the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke and other blood vessel diseases increases significantly.

Thus, high- and low-density lipoproteins have almost opposite functions and effects on the body, and therefore diagnostic value these substances are different.

HDL norm

In order to evaluate possible risks development of cardiac ischemia, or myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis or the appearance of blood clots, as well as to select the correct treatment tactics, cardiologists, therapists and endocrinologists often prescribe to the patient biochemical research blood.
Lipoprotein levels may differ for people of different ages and genders. Normal level HDL for a healthy person is considered:

It should be noted that the norm of the indicator may differ slightly, depending on the laboratory in which the research is carried out.

The HDL level in men is slightly lower than in women. A reading of less than 1.036 mmol/L for men and 1.30 mmol/L for women leads the doctor to believe that high-density cholesterol is lower permissible norm, which means the risk of cardiovascular diseases is much higher.

Often, doctors test high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels to assess the potential risk of ischemia.
relative to the total amount of cholesterol in the blood. For this, an atherogenic coefficient was created, showing the balance between “good” and total cholesterol.

KA= Total cold - HDL/HDL.

Normally, this coefficient should be in the range of 2-2.5 (for newborns - no more than 1, for men after 40 years - no more than 3.5).

Low HDL cholesterol, what does this mean?

The level of beneficial cholesterol substances in the blood may differ from standard values for a number of reasons: various reasons, such as poor nutrition, bad habits, rhythm of life, etc.

But maybe HDL cholesterol is also lowered pathological reasons, these are:

vascular atherosclerosis;
endocrine diseases and violations;
cholelithiasis;
hepatic and kidney diseases: cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, and etc.;
hyperlipoproteinemia type IV;
and etc. infectious diseases in the acute stage.

The level of “good” cholesterol may decrease due to long-term use some medicines, transferred severe stress, or acute infectious exposure. In this case, the patient is prescribed a repeat study, after about 1.5-2 months.

High-density lipoproteins are elevated, what does this mean?

After studying the information about HDL, you might think that increased rate is a beneficial sign for the body, because this substance prevents the formation of excess cholesterol, which means it reduces the risk of cholesterol plaques and the development of all kinds of ailments. This is true, but not always. HDL cholesterol is elevated, what does this mean?

Yes, of course, if high-density lipoproteins are elevated in the blood, doctors say that the likelihood of developing ischemia (CHD) is minimal, because There are more than enough “useful” components and they actively do their job. However, when HDL cholesterol is significantly elevated, there is reason to suspect some problems in the body. There are a few such pathological conditions that can be identified, these include:

hereditary increase in lipoproteins in the blood - hyperlipoproteinemia;
biliary (primary) cirrhosis of the liver;
Hepatitis B chronic form;
alcoholism or other types of chronic intoxication of the body.

Also, I would like to note that there are some factors that can affect the result and provoke an increase in the indicator, for example:

pregnancy period (therefore, it is recommended to take the test no earlier than 6-8 weeks after birth);
taking statins, estrogens, fibrates, cholistyramines, or insulin.

How to increase HDL cholesterol?

As we already said, unique feature cholesterol of the HDL fraction is that it is denser and is able to transfer “excess” cholesterol from organs and vessels back to the liver, from where it will subsequently be excreted from the body. Scientists have proven that HDL increase by only 0.02 mmol/l, reduces the risk of a heart attack by more than 3%.

Therefore, the question often began to be asked on the Internet: how to increase good cholesterol and downgrade the bad one.

It should be understood that the terms “bad” and “good” cholesterol are used to explain the problem more easily to patients. Well, based on the properties of various subclasses of cholesterol.

So, in order to increase the level good cholesterol, you must first of all follow the recommendations for reducing LDL, i.e. “bad” cholesterol. To do this, you need:

reduce the consumption of saturated trans fats, they are usually found in maximum quantities in products of animal origin (meat, lard, cream, butter...);
decrease daily consumption calories, the best option will include fiber-rich vegetables, berries and fruits in the menu;
increase physical activity, we're talking about about useful gymnastic and cardio exercises;
to refuse from bad habits;
make it a rule to drink green tea, it contains polyphenols that help lower total cholesterol while increasing HDL. Cranberry juice has similar properties.

So that in the future you are not overtaken by a whole “bouquet” of diseases and problems with blood vessels, think about your health and watch your diet now!

There is an opinion that cholesterol in the human body is quite harmful substance. Many information sources advise constantly reducing this indicator in the human body. It is worth immediately noting that this opinion is erroneous, since it is cholesterol that is involved in many processes of the life of human cells.

LDL is considered atherogenic, and HDL is antiatherogenic

People around us believe that there are two types of cholesterol – “good” and “bad” and when there is a strong excess of it in the body, it is deposited on the vascular walls and leads to disastrous consequences. Let's take a closer look at what a lipid profile is and what level of cholesterol is not only safe, but also necessary for the healthy functioning of the body. And also what laboratory test is used to determine this indicator in the blood and its interpretation.

Cholesterol – what is it?

Cholesterol is a steroid or a substance of high biological activity. It is produced to a greater extent in human liver cells, up to approximately 50%, about 20% is synthesized by the intestines. All other cholesterol is synthesized by the adrenal glands, skin and gonads. And only up to 500 mg of cholesterol per day comes from food.

Cholesterol also has a number of functions. The most basic of them are the strengthening of the cell wall, the production of bile acid and the synthesis of steroid hormones.

LDL is the so-called “bad”, in fact, this concept does not exist in medical vocabulary, it is more of a common name for low-density lipoprotein. But it is bad because when it is in excess and oxidized, it actually settles on inner wall vessel, closing its lumen. Therefore, it is imperative to monitor this indicator, especially if total cholesterol in the blood is elevated.

HDL can be lowered for a number of reasons, e.g. poor nutrition or bad habits.

Lipoproteins vary in size, density and lipid content

HDL is considered “good” in everyday life. Differs from low-density lipoprotein in its structure and functional features. His main function is purification vascular wall from LDL. When enough high level HDL or its normal level, people are less susceptible to atherosclerotic diseases. If the HDL blood test reveals a significant decrease in them, then atherosclerosis is presumably diagnosed and prescribed additional research to confirm the diagnosis.

Lipid profile

This is a special biochemical blood test. The study involves breaking down lipids (fats) into their individual components. Using this analysis, you can monitor indicators and promptly seek specialized medical care in case of any pathological abnormalities. This biochemical analysis includes:

Total cholesterol or cholesterol is one of the main indicators of the state of fat balance in the human body. Produced in liver cells.
HDL (high-density lipoprotein) - delivers cholesterol to the liver from the vascular wall when it is in excess.
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is a carrier of cholesterol from the liver to the arteries; when in excess, it settles on the vascular wall.
TG (triglycerides) are neutral lipids.

Even when this study The atherogenic coefficient (AC) is calculated and determines the predisposition to atherosclerosis. This is called the ratio between HDL and LDL.

Indications for analysis

For some vascular diseases the level of LDL in the blood increases significantly, this may indicate atherosclerosis and concomitant diseases. Most likely, total cholesterol will also be increased. And the HDL level, which is responsible for the process of converting cholesterol into bile and removing cholesterol plaques from the walls of blood vessels, drops significantly in the blood.

A lipid profile is often prescribed when a risk of coronary heart disease is suspected.

A blood test for a lipid profile is prescribed to people who belong to the “risk group” and have some of the following diseases:

The lipid profile is also prescribed for children, but also for certain diseases, for example, diabetes mellitus or with a hereditary predisposition to lipid metabolism disorders.

Interpretation of the analysis

Lipidogram allows you to detect lipid metabolism disorders

IN medical practice There are certain standards by which the lipid profile is assessed. It is also worth noting that blood biochemistry standards may vary slightly in different laboratories, this is due to the use of different kits and reagents for research. When deciphering the analysis, the weight and age of the patient are taken into account.

Index	Regulatory boundaries
Total cholesterol	3.2 – 5.5 mmol/l
HDL	> 0.9 mmol/l
LDL	1.7 – 3.5 mmol/l
TG	0.4 – 1.8 mmol/l

Only a doctor should decipher this laboratory test; it is he who will be able to competently assess the situation and, if necessary, prescribe adequate and timely treatment. Also, the doctor must correlate the test result with individual characteristics the patient and his medical history. For example, a recent heart attack or taking medications.

What can cause an increase in LDL levels?

LDL can increase in some kidney and liver diseases due to an imbalance in HDL. Risk factors for increasing “bad” cholesterol include: smoking, alcohol abuse alcoholic drinks, overeating, insufficient physical activity or physical inactivity, bile stagnation. To reduce or maintain LDL, you need to resort to healthy image life and proper nutrition.

Preparing for analysis

Before donating blood for a lipid profile, you must abstain from eating for 12 hours

To obtain a correct and informative analysis result, a prerequisite on the part of the patient is preparation for it. Blood is drawn from a vein and must be taken on an empty stomach. You should stop eating 8 hours before the test, or better yet 12. Dinner should be very light and consist mainly of fiber; exclude fatty varieties meat, all types of sausages and smoked meats. Since this will lead to chyle in the blood serum and the analysis will be incorrect. You should also refrain from drinking coffee and alcohol the day before, and do not smoke at least two hours before donating blood. If applicable medications, then it is better not to take them before taking the test. And if this is undesirable, then be sure to warn your doctor about taking them.

What are the benefits of lipids?

Lipid metabolism is very important for healthy functioning human body. The main function of metabolism is the breakdown, digestion and absorption of fats into intestinal tract. A very important fact is that lipids are actively involved in the synthesis of male and female hormones. Therefore, any imbalance in fat balance can lead to problems with reproductive system. At normal indicators lipid profile, the adrenal glands produce a sufficient amount of vitamin D. Also, if this indicator is impaired in the blood, a person’s immunity is significantly reduced.