Cholesterol: LDL, HDL and general level - what are these figures talking about?

Cholesterol (another name - cholesterol) is a fat-soluble compound found in the cells of most living organisms, except for prokaryotes. In the human body, it can be contained both in a free and bound state. Its function is to ensure the stability and integrity of cell membranes, to participate in the synthesis of vitamin D. Cholesterol is vital for the production of hormones - in particular, produced by the adrenal glands. It should, however, be borne in mind: in the human blood there are several of its fractions, the so-called lipoproteins, - their properties are significantly different.

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are compounds that are not prone to precipitation. This - the so-called "good", alpha-cholesterol: due to its anti-atherogenic (interfering with the development of atherosclerosis), it significantly reduces the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases. In order to "good" cholesterol "worked" and their prevention was carried out, its content in the blood should be high enough - 1.55 mmol / l. Its low content means an increased risk of atherosclerosis, especially in combination with an increase in the level of LDL (abated from "low-density lipoprotein") is an alarming sign.

Lipoproteins of low density are complex compounds whose elevation in blood is dangerous for human health. For the same reason, LDL cholesterol is also called "bad": it is the large number of these lipoproteins that are associated with the development of atherosclerosis and IHD. The optimal level of this fraction in the blood is up to 3.4 mmol / l. If it is higher than the figures given, there is a danger to human health. The indicators of the same level of cholesterol, including both "bad" and "good", should not normally exceed 5.2 mmol / l. With its amount of up to 6.2 mmol / l, experts talk about the state of moderate risk, and above this value - about the serious risk of the most dangerous diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

With a slight deviation from the norm, LDL cholesterol can be somewhat reduced by using a special diet and changes in lifestyle. So, it is necessary to exclude from the diet trans fats and reduce the consumption of sugar. LDL cholesterol is often higher than normal for smokers, as well as for those who move little, overeat and overweight. Therefore, one should part with bad habits, regularly do physical exercises and not eat more than the body needs.

To reduce "bad" cholesterol (LDL), vegetable oils, more precisely, contained in them phytosterols (plant sterols), as well as Omega-3 fatty acids, which are many in sardines and salmonids of fish, also help. A good effect is obtained by eating bran, and plant foods rich in fiber: beans, vegetables (in particular, eggplant).

If, despite all efforts, LDL is still elevated, the doctor can prescribe medication. To reduce the level of traditionally used drugs called statins (Krestor, Lipitor, Mevakor and others). These drugs stabilize the balance of HDL and LDL, the norm of which in the blood is clearly defined, significantly reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. They are selected in each case individually, depending on the level of blood levels of total cholesterol and each of its fractions, as well as the patient's chronic diseases.

In conclusion, it can be noted that the imbalance between "good" and "bad" cholesterol is not the only factor leading to atherosclerosis. Often this disease develops in those individuals whose cholesterol level is normal. However, an increase in LDL, especially when combined with obesity and / or diabetes mellitus, creates the prerequisites for serious diseases, therefore, is a danger to the patient and needs to be corrected.