Lipoproteins (also known as lipoproteins) are a combination of fats (lipids) and proteins.

There is the following classification of these connections:

1. Low density lipoproteins, which are synthesized in the liver. They contain triglycerides and cholesterol and carry them into cells as they move through the circulatory system;
2. Medium density lipotides, which appear when triglycerides are transferred to tissues;
3. High density lipotides, contain cholesterol, which was not consumed by cells. Such compounds are sent back to the liver, where they are processed into bile acids.

To put it simply, lipoproteins high density are the so-called “good” cholesterol, which, after meeting the body’s needs, are processed in the liver.

A decrease in HDL concentration in the blood indicates increased risk development of a disease such as atherosclerosis.

How is HDL determined?

Timely diagnosis makes it possible to prevent such serious consequences, How:

• stroke;
• vascular nephrosclerosis;
• myocardial infarction;
• coronary heart disease.

Normal indicators

To assess development risks coronary disease heart, as well as determining treatment methods, it is necessary to assess the level of high-grade lipoproteins and general level blood cholesterol concentrations.

Reasons for deviation from the norm

Cholesterol in the blood can increase by the most various reasons, but with very noticeable symptoms this process not accompanied. In the vast majority of cases, o high concentration can only be found out after research.

Usually this study prescribed when the heart begins to hurt, often the reason for examination is a heart attack or stroke.

It should be noted that the level of cholesterol in the blood should be checked regularly in order to prevent harmful consequences for your health.

This is especially worth doing for people who:

The level of cholesterol in the blood is determined by a biochemical blood test.

In order to receive reliable result Before donating blood, you must not eat for twelve hours.

For a preventive examination, such an analysis can be done at home. Especially for this you need to purchase disposable testers at the pharmacy.

What to do if HDL is elevated?

If laboratory tests found that the concentration of HDL in the blood test is too high, which can become a threat to health, then the following actions are necessary:

1. Eliminate completely or at least minimize the consumption of fatty foods and dishes. If the volume of fats entering the body is reduced to thirty percent, then the share of saturated fatty acids should account for seven percent. This circumstance will allow you to quickly reach the HDL standard. It is not necessary to completely eliminate fats from your diet, especially unsaturated fatty acids necessary for brain function, as this can lead to negative consequences.
2. Oils and products containing saturated fats, should be partially replaced by polyunsaturated. Such fatty acids are found, for example, in soybean oil, as well as in olive, sunflower, safflower and corn oil.

   Eating foods that contain high amounts of saturated fat should be reduced to a minimum. Such foods, and therefore meals prepared from them, increase LDL levels more than any other food component.

   Large amounts of saturated fatty acids are found in foods such as palm and coconut oil, animal fats and containing them in large quantities products, as well as trans fats (also hydrogenated).

3. You should not eat food that contains trans fats.. Such compounds are even more dangerous for the cardiovascular system than saturated fats. Often the presence of trans fats is indicated on the packaging, but it must be borne in mind that sometimes unscrupulous manufacturers do not do this.

If all this is not done, a further increase in blood cholesterol levels can lead to negative consequences.

Such as:

1. deterioration of blood circulation, which in turn can lead to insufficient tissue nutrition and deterioration of well-being;
2. the formation of blood clots that can block blood flow.

In addition, if HDL levels are elevated, you should eliminate or minimize your intake. following products containing cholesterol:

• eggs;
• shellfish;
• milk with high content fat;
• crustaceans;
• offal, especially liver.

REVIEW FROM OUR READER!

In order to understand whether cholesterol is low or high, you need to do a blood test. This must be done after undergoing preliminary preparation, which will allow you to obtain a reliable result.

Preparation includes the following:

• it is necessary to refuse food at least eight hours before blood sampling;
• It is not recommended for patients to eat too much high-calorie dishes two to three days before the procedure;
• do not smoke thirty minutes before the test;
• before the behavior of the lipid profile, you don’t need to strain yourself too much, and this applies not only physically, but also emotional stress(no need to worry ahead of time)

A lipid profile may be used in the following situations:

• there is a need to determine the risk of developing atherosclerosis, especially if there are prerequisites for its development or a hereditary predisposition to it;
• diagnosing cardiac dysfunction;
• assessment of the effectiveness of a diet, which involves consuming foods and dishes containing a minimum amount of fat.

In addition, it is worth highlighting cases when a specialist prescribes a test for his patient to determine cholesterol concentration:

1. Lipidogram is a diagnostic method, which is recommended for determining the health status of adults. This is how you can quickly and accurately detect HDL cholesterol. It should be done at least once every five years (and even more often for people with a predisposition).
   Often prescribed this analysis at routine examinations carried out for the purpose of prevention, as well as in determining elevated total cholesterol levels.

   In addition, this diagnostic method is recommended for those people who long time were on a diet that included a low intake of fat in all its forms. It can also be prescribed to those who have taken medicines that lower cholesterol.

2. Assigned to those people who have a significantly increased likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases due to exposure to certain factors:
   • Age-related changes, and this is typical for individuals of both sexes;
   • High blood pressure;
   • Progression of cardiac ischemia;
   • Excessive weight or any degree of obesity;
   • Eating foods that contain large amounts of animal fat.

Lipids, including cholesterol (CH), are the most important and irreplaceable building material for the cells of our body. They ensure the integrity of membranes and also participate in the synthesis various substances, such as steroid hormones, etc. At the same time, fats cannot be independently transported in the blood due to their insolubility in plasma. Therefore, there is a class of special proteins - lipoproteins (another name is lipoproteins) that allow their transportation. High-density lipoproteins (HDL or HDL) move lipids (cholesterol, etc.) from peripheral tissues and blood vessels to the liver, where it can be metabolized in the required direction, which helps cleanse the artery walls of cholesterol and helps prevent the development of atherosclerosis. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL), on the contrary, move lipids from the liver into the blood - to the tissues and cells of the body. This leads to increased cholesterol levels and increases the risk of developing atherosclerotic processes and related diseases.

Deposition of cholesterol and some fractions of lipoproteins in the lumen of the vessel

Good or bad cholesterol

There is an opinion among the population and some doctors that cholesterol is a lipid harmful to the body, leading exclusively to negative processes. However, discoveries in biochemistry and others biological sciences showed that cholesterol (cholesterol) is essential component cell membranes, is involved in the synthesis of steroid hormones, as well as in various metabolic processes, which, undoubtedly, does not allow it to be characterized only as a negative substance.

Cholesterol is a key component in maintaining the vital activity of cells in the human body.

When someone talks about “bad” cholesterol, it is necessary to understand this as low-density lipoproteins, which contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and various vascular diseases. The level of cholesterol plays only an indirect role and does not directly indicate disorders in fat metabolism. Lipoproteins consist of a complex protein complex connected to various lipids, which makes it possible to achieve the solubility of the latter in the blood plasma and transport it to the tissues of our body. However, such a process sometimes does not meet the needs of the cells, and cholesterol and other fats begin to be deposited in the walls of blood vessels, leading to the appearance of atherosclerotic plaques. That's why increased level LDL with simultaneous low levels of HDL is associated with the appearance of atherosclerosis in humans.

“Good” cholesterol is represented by high-density lipoproteins. These protein-fat molecules transport cholesterol and other lipids from the vascular wall and body tissues to the liver, where they can be metabolized according to the body's needs. HDL cholesterol is not deposited in the arteries and even helps to clear them of lipids, which helps prevent the appearance of atherosclerotic plaques. Reduced HDL levels increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis and related diseases. This fact is widely used in cardiological practice when assessing the risk of such a condition in patients.

Lipoproteins of various densities

HDL norm

Measuring the level of high-density lipoproteins is carried out using a biochemical blood test. The table below shows the HDL norm in accordance with the gender and age of a person:

From the above table, it can be noted that the level of high-density lipoproteins in women is higher than in men, particularly during the period after puberty. This feature is associated with the ability of female sex hormones (estrogens) to normalize fat metabolism in the body, lowering the amount of LDL and cholesterol, and increasing the level of HDL.

Normal ranges may vary slightly depending on the specific laboratory in which the test was performed.

Interpretation of HDL level results

Your doctor will help you interpret your lipid profile.

The amount of high-density lipoproteins in the blood can be either increased or decreased. It is important to note that only the attending physician should interpret the results of the study.

Low HDL

If your HDL level is below normal, what does that mean? Similar situation may mean disturbances in the body's lipid metabolism and is associated with an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis and the diseases caused by it (coronary heart disease, Leriche syndrome, ischemic stroke, etc.). A similar situation may arise as a result of the following reasons:

• Genetic disorders in the processes of fat metabolism (familial forms of hyperlipidemia, etc.).
• Dietary disorders (predominance of fatty and carbohydrate foods), low level physical activity.
• Diseases in endocrine system (diabetes mellitus).
• Chronic kidney and liver diseases, etc.

In any case, a decrease in HDL cholesterol is associated with the risk of atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels, which can be complicated by various diseases.

High HDL

Elevated or normal level high-density lipoprotein is associated with a low risk of atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and others cardiovascular diseases. HDL allows you to remove lipid deposits from the walls of blood vessels, as well as prevent the formation of plaques in them.

However, there are a number of diseases in which HDL values ​​in a biochemical blood test are significantly increased:

• Biliary cirrhosis of the liver.

A) normal liver; B) cirrhosis

• Chronic hepatitis of viral or toxic (alcoholic) nature.
• Reception medicines (hormonal drugs based on estrogens, statins, etc.).
• Pregnancy period.

In each specific situation it is necessary to carefully analyze the data of a biochemical study and interpret them in accordance with the patient’s past and existing diseases.

Atherogenic coefficient

Changes in the content of low- and high-density lipoproteins do not accurately reflect the state of lipid metabolism in the body. In this regard, to facilitate the process of interpreting their values, an atherogenicity index was introduced: atherogenic index=(total cholesterol-HDL)/HDL

The atherogenic index is normally 2-3, and changes with various diseases. An increase in the index is observed when:

• Severe liver damage.
• Diabetes mellitus.

All diabetics need to monitor their cholesterol levels.

• Chronic renal failure.
• Eating disorders and decreased physical activity, etc.

In this case, the risk of developing an atherosclerotic process in the patient is very high and requires the adoption of certain preventive and therapeutic measures.

A decrease in the atherogenic index is considered positive news, as it reflects low risk the appearance of atherosclerosis and related diseases. However, of particular importance this result does not have, due to the low information content in this particular case.

How to increase HDL?

Increasing the level of high-density lipoproteins helps prevent the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system, and is indicated for all people in old age or with a predisposition to such conditions. As a rule, an increase in HDL levels is closely related to a decrease in LDL and cholesterol levels in the blood.

To normalize the lipid profile, there are several simple recommendations:

• It is necessary to introduce various types of physical activity into your daily routine, in the form of aerobic exercise - light jogging, exercise bike, etc. Sports activities have a positive effect on fat and other types of metabolism in the body. At the same time, the frequency of classes should be at least three times a week, lasting at least half an hour.

Cycling has a beneficial effect on lipid metabolism in the body

• Must be excluded from food fatty varieties meat and fish, avoid cholesterol-rich egg yolks, and also remove sour cream, milk, cream and cottage cheese with high fat content.
• A person needs to stop smoking and using alcoholic drinks;
• Increase consumption plant food(fresh and boiled vegetables, fruits and berries) and freshly squeezed fruit juices.
• Exclude from the diet bakery and confectionery products that increase blood glucose levels, etc.

In cases of serious changes, it is necessary to additionally use medications that normalize the fat composition of the blood (statins, fibrates, cholesterol absorption blockers, etc.).

Only the attending physician should prescribe medications, after medical examination person.

A decrease in HDL content is important factor risk of developing coronary heart disease and stroke. In this regard, it is necessary to pay great attention to the periodic assessment of this parameter and preventive examinations with correction of nutrition and level of physical activity during the day. Correct prevention helps prevent the development serious illnesses and improves the overall standard of living of a person.

Cholesterol is a substance that is necessary for every cell of the body. It is contained in cell membranes. Cholesterol is not found in the blood serum by itself, but forms a single complex with proteins that transport it. Such compounds are called lipoproteins.

The role of cholesterol

Cholesterol performs very important function for the body:

• this is one of the important components of cell membranes, it is responsible for their permeability;
• serves as a precursor for the formation of steroid hormones (androgens, estrogens, corticosterone, cortisol, etc.);
• with its participation, the synthesis of bile acids is carried out.

Total cholesterol has no prognostic value in determining possible risk development of coronary and other heart diseases, but its increased value indicates the need for a detailed study of lipoprotein metabolism.

Types of lipoproteins

There are several types of lipoproteins, but only two of the most important ones are distinguished:

1. LDL - low density.
2. HDL - high density.

The role of each of them is strictly defined and directly opposite in the mechanism of disorders (HDL and LDL cholesterol), the norm of these indicators is respectively up to 1.05 mmol/l and 4.5 mmol/l. In addition, triglycerides are also part of the cholesterol fractions. All these components are determined in a study called a lipid profile. This biochemical analysis quantifies total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides.

LDL is "bad" cholesterol, and it increased concentration may indicate an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. HDL, on the contrary, acts as a protective factor against the occurrence of atherosclerosis.

HDL cholesterol

HDL cholesterol values ​​below 1.03 mmol/L may indicate serious risk development of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis, regardless of the concentration of total cholesterol. These indicators are indicators early detection such risks, and are also used to assess the effect of treatment aimed at lowering blood lipid concentrations.

HDL levels equal to 1.55 mmol/l or more, on the contrary, indicate that the possible risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases is negative or reduced to zero.

Approximately 25% of total cholesterol is transported in the HDL fraction.

LDL cholesterol

LDL plays a major role in the development of heart disease and may indicate hereditary hyperlipidemia. This has been proven through numerous epidemiological and clinical studies, which also demonstrate its atherogenic properties. If LDL cholesterol is elevated in combination with triglycerides, then this combination may indicate an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis. This combination makes it possible early diagnosis of this disease. The results of these studies allow us to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy, which is aimed at lowering lipid levels in the blood serum.

If LDL cholesterol is low, it may be due to malnutrition or malabsorption.

Approximately 70% general structure cholesterol is occupied by LDL.

LDL cholesterol is elevated. Why is this dangerous?

If we talk in simple language, then “bad” cholesterol (LDL) is a molecule that can oxidize and penetrate inside blood vessels, forming inside atherosclerotic plaques. They significantly impede blood flow and can even completely block the lumen of a blood vessel and form a blood clot. This may lead to the development acute heart attack myocardium.

The formation of such a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain can cause a stroke.

Due to the fact that the lumen of the vessels narrows, blood saturated with oxygen enters the heart muscle insufficient quantities. This provokes the development of coronary and other heart diseases. In addition, the walls of blood vessels on which atherosclerotic plaques are concentrated lose their elasticity. If LDL cholesterol is elevated, it affects both the heart and blood vessels.

LDL cholesterol: normal in women and men

Consider the normal values ​​for LDL cholesterol.

The table below shows how one of the main fractions of the lipid profile, LDL cholesterol, changes depending on age and gender. The norm for women is slightly different from that for men. This is due to the differences hormonal levels representatives of different sexes. Normal LDL values ​​in men aged 20 to 60 years are slightly higher than in the fair half. However, in later life, everything changes, and LDL cholesterol (normal) in women catches up with men’s levels and even becomes slightly higher. This is the effect of the lack of female hormones during menopause.

Also, its level can be influenced by regional affiliation. For example, the concentration of cholesterol in residents of India and Pakistan is slightly higher than in other ethnic groups.

Causes of increased LDL levels

Several factors may influence an increase in LDL levels:

• nutritional factors - poor nutrition;
• insufficiently active lifestyle;
• violation metabolic processes - overweight bodies;
• smoking;
• alcohol abuse;
• endocrine diseases - diabetes, hypothyroidism;
• hypertension;
• liver diseases;
• hereditary hyperlipoproteinemia.

How to determine your LDL level?

To determine cholesterol levels, it is enough to donate blood from a vein to any clinic. You will need a doctor's referral for an LDL cholesterol test. It can be obtained at an appointment with a therapist, cardiologist, surgeon, or in a pre-medical office.

Blood is taken for LDL cholesterol analysis in the morning on an empty stomach. It is advisable not to consume it the day before fatty foods, and dinner should be no later than 19.00. Otherwise, the true cholesterol readings may be somewhat distorted.

The analysis result can be obtained the next day. If it turns out that LDL cholesterol is elevated, your doctor will prescribe treatment. If total cholesterol levels are more than 10 mmol/l and a high LDL fraction, hospitalization may be suggested. cardiology department or assigned outpatient treatment. Most likely, taking statins will be recommended. If LDL cholesterol is elevated, so is total and non-drug methods do not help, then statins can be prescribed for life.

Lower cholesterol without drugs

Before starting with medications, you should try to do this with the help of special diet and physical activity. How to lower LDL cholesterol without pills? Regular moderate physical activity will help solve this issue. You don’t have to go to the gym and train hard there. If there are no diseases of the cardiovascular system, you can do small 30-minute runs in free time, but you need to monitor your pulse. It should not be higher than usual by more than 80%, i.e. immediately after a run, a pulse of 100-140 beats per minute is the norm. Moreover, after 5-10 minutes it should return to its normal values ​​- 60-80 beats per minute.

Sometimes jogging is contraindicated; in this case, a 40-minute walk at a normal pace would be an excellent solution.

Diet to lower cholesterol levels

Simultaneously with physical activity you should change your taste preferences. This can be difficult to do, but we're talking about about health, so this step is necessary.

You should exclude from your diet all foods that contain a lot of saturated fat. These include:

• all sausages;
• all semi-finished meat products;
• all baked goods and muffins, cakes and cookies;
• fatty meats;
• salo;
• vegetable oil (except soybean, rapeseed and corn);
• cream and sour cream;
• mayonnaise;
• hard cheeses.

Fruits, fresh vegetables and freshly squeezed juices from them, on the contrary, are recommended to be included in your diet. sea ​​fish will also be useful, because it contains omega-3 fatty acids. Sardines and salmon are especially healthy, but the fish should not be salted or fried. It is best to steam it or bake it in the oven.

Not strong green tea also reduces cholesterol to some extent, because it contains flavonoids, they are able to strengthen the walls of blood vessels.

Some experts believe that drinking red wine in very small quantities can reduce bad cholesterol levels. Other scientists disagree with these data and say that alcohol, even in small doses, harms the body. Therefore, it is better to postpone such treatment until all specialists come to a consensus.

It is well established that there are foods whose regular consumption can lower cholesterol levels by 10%. These include:

1. Nuts - they can interfere with the absorption of saturated fats by the body. But they should be consumed in limited quantities (no more than 10-12 pieces per day), because they are too high in calories.
2. Cereals - oats, barley, as well as wild rice and bran contain necessary for good digestion fiber.
3. Soy, or more precisely the isoflavones it contains, can lower LDL cholesterol.
4. Polyunsaturated vegetable oils(soybean, flaxseed, nut, rapeseed and corn) with high cholesterol can be eaten. These types of oils contain cholesterol-lowering properties. They are recommended for seasoning salads with fresh vegetables.
5. Sea fish should be included in the menu at least 3 times a week.
6. All fruits and vegetables contain soluble fiber, which helps remove LDL cholesterol from the body. It is especially useful to include cabbage, carrots, citrus fruits, apples and apricots in your diet. Beans are especially useful among legumes.
7. It is believed that garlic, especially in combination with lemon, can cleanse blood vessels. These two products are included in a large number of folk recipes to cleanse blood vessels and reduce cholesterol.

If LDL cholesterol is below normal, this condition does not require treatment. This may be the result of malnutrition and low calorie diets. In this case, you should return to balanced diet. This will be enough.

Treatment is medicinal

As we found out, an increase in LDL cholesterol plays a major role in the development of atherosclerosis. To prevent the formation of this disease and its complications, it is necessary to constantly monitor the level of this substance, especially if there is a predisposition to its increase. If LDL cholesterol is elevated, treatment should be done by a cardiologist.

If nutrition and exercise do not help cope with high level cholesterol, you should take medications prescribed by your doctor. These could be:

• statins;
• niacin (nicotinic acid);
• fibrates or salts of fibric acid, which reduce triglyceride levels and increase HDL, accordingly lowering the “bad” fraction of cholesterol - LDL;
• bile acid sequestrants;
• cholesterol absorption inhibitors (the drug "Ezetimibe");
• food supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids.

Statins

We should talk about statins in more detail. They represent chemicals, which can reduce the production of enzymes. Without them, cholesterol synthesis in the body is impossible.

It is important to remember that statins should be taken separately from other cholesterol-lowering medications and should not be combined with grapefruit juice. This is explained by the fact that grapefruit contains substances that can influence the liver enzyme responsible for the destruction of statins. Thus, an increased concentration of statins accumulates in the body, more than necessary. This can lead to impaired liver function and destruction of muscle structure.

The most common in Russia are the following types statins:

• The drug "Lovastatin" can reduce cholesterol by 25%.
• The drug "Fluvastatin" - lowers cholesterol by 29%.
• The drug "Simvastatin" - reduces cholesterol levels by 38%.
• The drug "Atorvastatin" is capable of lowering cholesterol concentrations by 47%.
• The drug "Rosuvastatin" (its other name is "Mertenil") is the most effective of the widely known statins, reducing cholesterol by up to 55%.

Natural statins

In addition to medicines, there are many plants in nature that contain them, but the concentration of these substances in plant materials is much less than in medicinal materials. However, they can also be used for treatment.

• lemongrass;
• fenugreek;
• St. John's wort;
• hawthorn;
• Leuzea safflower;
• Rhodiola rosea.

This plant material can be used individually or mixed and prepared from water infusions in a water bath and taken during meals. This treatment is long-term, its duration can be up to 4-6 months or more.

Conclusion

If non-drug measures to combat cholesterol do not help, and its levels are still high, then you should consult a doctor and follow his recommendations.

Many people know about harmful influence excess cholesterol levels on the body. But it is useful to know that a lack of fat-like substance also leads to a violation normal functioning body. But if about high cholesterol and its harm on cardiovascular system Doctors and nutritionists constantly warn. What threatens reduced level There is little information about cholesterol. What are the consequences for the body and what does it mean when LDL cholesterol is reduced?

A Brief Introduction to Cholesterol

Cholesterol belongs to the group of alcohols; specifically, this substance is a polycyclic lipophilic alcohol of natural origin. It has a dense consistency, endowed with the properties of fats, and a color from white to light yellow. The term comes from two words: bile - “hole” and solid “stereos”. In view of this, the organic compound received its name in the 18th century as “cholesterol”, later renamed “cholesterol” by the French. Cholesterol is part of the cell membranes of all living things and ensures their stability over a wide range of temperatures.

Cholesterol is necessary for:

• Vitamin D synthesis.
• Protecting nerve fibers.
• Assists in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
• Bile acid production.
• Production of steroid and sex hormones.

Most cholesterol is produced in the body - about 75–85%. Internal organs capable of producing lipophilic alcohol include the liver, adrenal glands, intestines, kidneys, and gonads. And only approximately 17-25% of the fat-like substance comes from food, mainly of animal origin, which has a high content of it. Plant products contain a moderate amount of cholesterol. But animal fats are rich in this poorly soluble organic compound.

Cholesterol is divided into high-density lipoproteins (HDL), very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). High-density lipoproteins () are complexes that combine fats (lipids) and proteins.

The activity of HDL in the body is aimed at processing and eliminating fats.

Low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) is formed during the process of lipolysis and acts as a transporter of this fat-like substance in the bloodstream. Low-density lipoprotein is considered an atherogenic substance. But LDL also transports carotenoids, triglycerides, tocopherol and other lipophilic components in the blood. The class of low molecular weight lipoproteins is considered harmful due to their tendency to settle on the walls of blood vessels when LDL enters the body in excess or the process of its processing is disrupted.

Risk factors for LDL formation

The reasons for the decrease in cholesterol levels are not fully understood. But it is reliably known what causes contribute to hypocholesterolemia. In addition to some diseases that can disrupt lipid metabolism, this process is influenced by a person’s lifestyle and diet.

Possible causes of hypocholesterolemia:

• Insufficient intake of fats from food due to improper diet or diet.
• Pathologies of the liver, which produces high and low density cholesterol.
• Diseases of an infectious nature.
• Excessive intake of cholesterol-lowering statins.
• Smoking and alcohol abuse.
• Intoxication of the body with heavy metals.
• Lack of mobility (hypodynamia).
• Metabolism slows down in old age.
• Exposure to stress.
• A disease such as anorexia can catastrophically reduce lipoprotein levels.

Obese people are also at risk for cholesterol problems. And in addition, people who are accustomed to daily use desserts. Confectionery, especially with a large number fats (butter, margarine and similar components) in baked goods and creams contribute. Convenience foods and food instant cooking They are also a source of bad cholesterol. It is very important to eliminate the causes affecting hypocholesterolemia in a timely manner for people of mature age and those prone to cardiovascular pathologies.

Signs of Low LDL Cholesterol

Learn about cholesterol deficiency at initial stage only possible with the help biochemical analysis blood. Because the process of lowering LDL levels occurs slowly. But in the case of prolonged hypocholesterolemia, a person may experience characteristic symptoms.

Signs insufficient content cholesterol:

• There is a decrease in appetite or its complete absence.
• Muscle weakness is noted.
• Enlarged lymph nodes may be detected.
• Reflex and reactive abilities decrease.
• There is a tendency to aggression, irritability and depression.
• Sexual activity decreases.

When performing a lipid profile, if cholesterol levels are less than 4.6 mmol/l, hypocholesterolemia is diagnosed. In addition to problems with internal organs and the full functioning of body systems, especially the central nervous system. A person with critically reduced cholesterol levels has a tendency towards suicide, alcohol and drug addiction.

What can low LDL mean:

1. Genetic predisposition.
2. Impaired functioning of the liver, intestines, adrenal glands or kidneys.
3. Dysfunction of the gonads.
4. Excessive synthesis of hormones thyroid gland(hypothyroidism).
5. Oncological process in the central hematopoietic organ.
6. A form of anemia characterized by vitamin B12 deficiency.
7. Pathology of the respiratory system.
8. Inflammatory process of joints.
9. Acute infectious process.

Procedure and interpretation of LDL analysis

Low-density cholesterol levels can be determined by performing a biochemical blood test by ultracentrifuging samples to isolate certain fractions. The process of ultracentrifugation of biological material is not fast, although it allows obtaining LDL analysis results with a high degree of accuracy. Over time, additional calculation methods have been developed to establish LDL levels. The Friedwald calculation method has gained the greatest popularity.

The method involves calculating readings using a special formula:

LDL cholesterol (mmol/l) = total cholesterol – HDL cholesterol – TG/2.2.

A lipidogram allows you to obtain information about the content in blood LDL with great accuracy. It is recommended to undergo this study systematically after the age of 25. And people who have reached the age of 40 will need to reduce the interval between lipid profiles to once a year.

The procedure for preparing for a blood test for LDL:

• Eight hours before the lipid profile, do not eat.
• For several days before taking blood for analysis, do not eat fatty foods.
• The body should not be overworked by physical or nervous stress.
• Avoid drinking alcohol for about a week, and before visiting diagnostic center It is advisable not to smoke for at least an hour.
• It will be necessary to exclude the reception medications and carrying out physiotherapeutic procedures.

Decoding the lipid profile

When low-density cholesterol levels differ greatly from normal values ​​in the downward direction. In this case, you will need to retake a biochemical blood test to exclude erroneous LDL data. If the initial test results are confirmed, the attending physician may prescribe additional examination using laboratory or hardware diagnostic methods to identify the cause low cholesterol. And only after receiving a detailed clinical picture, a diagnosis is made and appropriate treatment is prescribed, aimed at restoring cholesterol levels.

Restoring LDL levels

IN advanced cases, when low molecular weight cholesterol levels are greatly reduced, some diets and motor activity will no longer be enough. You will need to take nicotinic acid, which can quickly increase LDL levels in the body, as well as reduce triglyceride levels. Substances that, in combination with bad cholesterol, provoke the development of atherosclerosis and ischemia.

However, it must be remembered that the level of LDL cholesterol must be maintained at normal levels; any deviation in one direction or another is extremely undesirable. Therefore, despite the safety of drugs containing nicotinic acid, which are short terms increase low molecular weight cholesterol. However, you will have to carry out a course of LDL restoration under the strict supervision of your doctor. And monitoring the results of treatment for low cholesterol is carried out using a biochemical blood test.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a substance that transports unused cholesterol (fats) in the blood from peripheral tissues to the liver for disposal of excess. HDL is lowered in case of exacerbation chronic diseases or acute infections.

Indicator standards:

• in men – 30-70 mg/dl (0.78-1.1 mmol/l);
• in women – 30-85 mg/dl (0.78-2.2 mmol/l).

From which it can be seen that the lower limit of indicators for adults is the same.

Cholesterol, the main substance transported to the liver by HDL, plays important role in the body: responsible for maintaining the hardness of cell walls, the production of steroid hormones by the gonads and adrenal glands and, according to recent data, is also involved in the processes of tissue respiration in the brain. Contains a lot of cholesterol.

Lipoprotein structure

High-density lipoprotein (lipoprotein means the same) is conventionally called “good” because of its function, ultimately aimed at recycling excess cholesterol by the liver. It prevents various cardiovascular disasters, essentially controls a person’s body weight, and even takes part in immune processes.

It is impossible to feel a decrease in high-density lipoproteins. To understand what low HDL means, you need to pay attention to indirect signs health problems:

• weight gain without changes in eating style and previous physical activity;
• the appearance of a feeling of shortness of breath with previously habitual hiking at a moderate walking speed;
• identified changes in hormonal levels: menopause, diseases of the thyroid gland with insufficiency of its function, long-term use oral hormonal contraceptives without monitoring of related indicators, diabetes mellitus;
• long-term use of the following groups of medications: beta blockers (for high blood pressure), diuretics.

Who needs an HDL blood test?

To timely detect a decrease in HDL, screening tests should be periodically performed, that is, those that are done routinely for everyone classified as at risk, namely:

• Pregnant and menopausal women – a decrease in HDL is associated with hormonal changes, estrogen levels. Estrogen, being synthesized from cholesterol steroid hormone, through feedback regulates the liver's production of HDL. With a lack of “good” cholesterol, the concentration of “carriers” of these molecules back to the liver decreases and the amount of newly produced HDL decreases.

It has been observed that blood cholesterol levels increase sharply in women after menopause.

• Suffering from obesity. Body mass index (BMI) is greater than 30.
• Those who have suffered myocardial infarction and other vascular accidents.
• Patients with vascular atherosclerosis, especially in the brain.
• Those with food allergies, in particular celiac disease (intolerance to gluten, found in large quantities in grain products), because this group of patients has a limited opportunity to consume foods richest in fiber, which plays a key role in any therapeutic diet.
• An HDL test is often prescribed before surgical interventions, invasive (penetrating inside the body) diagnostic procedures to assess the risk of possible complications.

Diagnostics

IN laboratory conditions Blood is drawn, the serum is separated and the HDL value is determined.

The sample is taken on an empty stomach, 12-14 hours after the last meal. Either one HDL or all indicators of the blood lipid profile are measured in a complex analysis. Results are usually ready within 1 day or 1 business day.

In some situations, to answer diagnostic questions calculate the ratio of HDL to total cholesterol.

Blood tests for lipid profile allows you to identify deviations in fat metabolism body

You should not do the testing yourself. Often the laboratory is interested in a larger volume of diagnostic procedures, so the list of necessary examinations should be prescribed by the attending physician.

Treatment

Low target values ​​in HDL or lipid profile tests do not need to be treated. The patient must be treated individually, paying attention to clinical picture disorders, complaints and symptoms. This is what therapists do. Or those doctors with whom the patient is registered and attends consultations in a timely manner: endocrinologist, cardiologist and others.

Treatment begins with determining the cause that caused the decrease in HDL, and then therapy is directed to eliminating the identified cause or relieving an exacerbation. Most often this is:

• Diabetes mellitus. For treatment, blood glucose levels are monitored (lipid-lowering drugs, diet) and complications are corrected.
• Cirrhosis. They monitor liver tests, correct diet, prescribe adequate physical activity and avoid the use of alcohol and other toxic substances, drug therapy.
• Obesity. Body mass index is determined using the formula: weight (kg) divided by height (cm) squared. The ideal range is 18-21. An increased rate of more than 30 is considered obesity, in which body weight is reduced.

Obesity is one of the risk factors for dyslipidemia

• A diet with plenty of fast carbohydrates and a lot of polyunsaturated fatty acids can also lead to a decrease in HDL. The higher the concentration of low and very low density lipoproteins (LDL and VLDL) in the blood, the lower indicators HDL. Therefore, the diet is adjusted for treatment.

Universal tips for normalizing your daily routine, increasing physical activity and avoiding bad habits, which will help not only increase HDL levels, but also avoid many other painful conditions.

• Stop smoking. This action alone will increase HDL levels by 10%.
• Monitor your weight, avoid increasing it to levels of obesity (BMI ›30), and if present, pay attention to measures to reduce it.
• Sufficient physical activity. Exercise in the morning, during the warm season. A good remedy For cardio training there will be bike rides away from highways.
• Pay attention to the amount of liquid consumed per day (should not be lower than 2-2.5 liters per day). Coffee is not included in this amount because it has the opposite effect to the desired goal, promoting dehydration and increasing blood pressure.
• Avoid alcohol. It is acceptable to occasionally drink red wine as an alcoholic beverage.

If you have lipid metabolism disorders, you should avoid alcohol

Some foods help raise HDL levels. This:

• sea ​​fish;
• low-fat cottage cheese;
• hard cheese;
• milk and yogurt;
• white meats (poultry, rabbit);
• nuts and dried fruits;
• legumes (soybeans, peas, chickpeas).

With all the variety of advice on normalization reduced performance HDL cholesterol, the key to prevention remains the normalization of lifestyle with normalization of body weight and sufficient physical activity, namely physical therapy. This one is simple, but so important advice will help bring indicators back to normal faster and, moreover, is an excellent prevention of cardiovascular diseases and the musculoskeletal system than all possible diets at the same time, because the role of food in blood cholesterol levels is only no more than 20%.