What are healthy cholesterol ranges for different age groups. How to identify high cholesterol levels. Which lifestyle changes can help manage cholesterol. Why is regular cholesterol testing important. How do factors like age and gender affect cholesterol levels.

Decoding Cholesterol: Types and Their Impact on Health

Cholesterol, a waxy, fat-like substance, plays a crucial role in our body’s functions. However, when levels become imbalanced, it can lead to serious health complications. There are two primary types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

LDL, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, can accumulate in blood vessels when present in excess amounts. This buildup forms plaques, which can restrict blood flow and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. On the other hand, HDL, or “good” cholesterol, helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.

The Significance of Cholesterol Measurements

Healthcare professionals measure several aspects of cholesterol to assess overall cardiovascular health:

• Total cholesterol
• LDL cholesterol
• HDL cholesterol
• Non-HDL cholesterol (all fats that can increase heart disease risk)

Why is measuring different cholesterol components important? Each measurement provides unique insights into an individual’s cardiovascular health profile, allowing for more targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

Cholesterol Levels Across the Lifespan: Age and Gender Variations

Cholesterol levels naturally fluctuate throughout a person’s life, influenced by factors such as age and gender. Generally, cholesterol levels tend to increase with age, making early management crucial for long-term health.

Gender Differences in Cholesterol Levels

How do cholesterol levels differ between males and females? Males typically have higher cholesterol levels throughout their lives compared to females. However, this gap narrows after menopause, as women experience a rise in cholesterol levels during this phase.

Recommended Testing Frequency

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidelines for cholesterol testing:

• Adults aged 20 and over: At least once every 4-6 years
• Children: Once between ages 9-11 and again between 17-21
• Individuals with risk factors: More frequent testing may be necessary

Why is regular testing important? Consistent monitoring allows for early detection of unhealthy trends, enabling timely intervention and prevention of long-term cardiovascular complications.

Cholesterol Health Ranges: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding cholesterol health ranges is essential for maintaining optimal cardiovascular health. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides guidelines for healthy cholesterol levels based on age and gender.

Cholesterol Ranges for Adults (20 years and older)

Cholesterol Ranges for Children and Adolescents (19 years and younger)

Why do cholesterol ranges differ for children and adults? Children’s bodies are still developing, and their cholesterol needs may differ from those of adults. These ranges help healthcare providers identify potential issues early in life.

Identifying High Cholesterol: Warning Signs and Risk Factors

High cholesterol often develops silently, without noticeable symptoms. This makes regular testing crucial for early detection and management. However, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing high cholesterol:

• Age (cholesterol levels tend to rise with age)
• Family history of high cholesterol
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Diet high in saturated and trans fats
• Smoking

How can you determine if you have high cholesterol? The only reliable way is through a blood test ordered by a healthcare provider. This test, called a lipid panel, measures various components of cholesterol in your blood.

Understanding Cholesterol Test Results

For adults aged 20 and over, the following levels are considered significant:

For HDL cholesterol, higher levels are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease:

• 60 mg/dl and above: Acceptable
• 40-59 mg/dl: Borderline low
• Below 40 mg/dl: Increased risk of heart disease

The Impact of Lifestyle on Cholesterol Levels

While some factors affecting cholesterol levels, such as age and genetics, are beyond our control, lifestyle choices play a significant role in managing cholesterol. Understanding these factors can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health.

Diet and Cholesterol

How does diet influence cholesterol levels? Consuming foods high in saturated and trans fats can increase LDL cholesterol levels. On the other hand, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Which foods should be limited or avoided to manage cholesterol?

• Fatty meats
• Full-fat dairy products
• Fried foods
• Baked goods made with trans fats
• Processed snacks

Physical Activity and Cholesterol

Regular physical activity can have a positive impact on cholesterol levels. Exercise helps increase HDL cholesterol while potentially lowering LDL cholesterol. The NIH recommends aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities twice a week.

Why is exercise beneficial for cholesterol management? Physical activity helps the body metabolize cholesterol more efficiently, potentially reducing the amount circulating in the bloodstream.

Smoking and Cholesterol

Smoking not only damages the heart and blood vessels directly but also negatively impacts cholesterol levels. It lowers HDL cholesterol, reducing the body’s ability to remove excess LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.

How quickly can quitting smoking improve cholesterol levels? While the full benefits may take time to manifest, some improvements in HDL cholesterol levels can be seen within weeks of quitting.

Managing High Cholesterol: Strategies for Better Heart Health

If you’ve been diagnosed with high cholesterol, there are several strategies you can employ to bring your levels back into a healthy range. These approaches often involve a combination of lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication.

Dietary Changes for Cholesterol Management

Adopting a heart-healthy diet is crucial for managing cholesterol levels. The NIH recommends focusing on:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Lean proteins (such as fish, poultry, and legumes)
• Healthy fats (like those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil)

Which specific dietary changes can have the most significant impact on cholesterol levels? Reducing saturated fat intake, increasing fiber consumption, and incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can all contribute to improved cholesterol profiles.

Increasing Physical Activity

Regular exercise is a powerful tool for managing cholesterol levels. The key is to find activities you enjoy and can sustain over the long term. Some options include:

• Brisk walking
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Strength training
• Yoga

How much exercise is needed to see improvements in cholesterol levels? While any increase in physical activity can be beneficial, aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week is a good target for many people.

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight can have a positive impact on cholesterol levels. Even modest weight loss can lead to improvements in both LDL and HDL cholesterol levels.

Why does weight loss help improve cholesterol levels? Excess body weight, particularly around the midsection, can contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic imbalances that affect cholesterol production and metabolism.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can negatively impact cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine can be beneficial. Some effective strategies include:

• Meditation
• Deep breathing exercises
• Regular physical activity
• Adequate sleep
• Engaging in hobbies or activities you enjoy

How does stress affect cholesterol levels? Chronic stress can lead to behaviors that negatively impact cholesterol, such as overeating or reduced physical activity. Additionally, stress hormones may directly influence cholesterol metabolism.

Medical Interventions for High Cholesterol

In some cases, lifestyle changes alone may not be sufficient to manage high cholesterol levels. In these situations, healthcare providers may recommend medication to help bring cholesterol into a healthy range.

Common Cholesterol-Lowering Medications

• Statins: These drugs work by blocking a substance the body needs to make cholesterol.
• Bile acid sequestrants: These medications help remove cholesterol from the body by binding to bile acids in the intestines.
• Cholesterol absorption inhibitors: These drugs reduce the amount of cholesterol absorbed from food.
• PCSK9 inhibitors: These newer medications help the liver remove more LDL cholesterol from the blood.

How do healthcare providers determine if medication is necessary? The decision to prescribe cholesterol-lowering medication is based on several factors, including overall cardiovascular risk, current cholesterol levels, and the effectiveness of lifestyle changes.

Combining Lifestyle Changes and Medication

For many individuals with high cholesterol, the most effective approach is a combination of lifestyle modifications and medication. This comprehensive strategy can lead to more significant improvements in cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health.

Why is a combined approach often more effective? Lifestyle changes address the root causes of high cholesterol, while medication can provide additional support in bringing levels into a healthy range. Together, these strategies can offer a powerful defense against cardiovascular disease.

The Importance of Long-Term Cholesterol Management

Managing cholesterol is not a short-term endeavor but a lifelong commitment to cardiovascular health. Regular monitoring, consistent lifestyle habits, and ongoing communication with healthcare providers are essential components of effective cholesterol management.

Regular Monitoring and Follow-Up

Even after achieving healthy cholesterol levels, continued monitoring is crucial. This allows for early detection of any changes and prompt adjustment of management strategies if needed.

How often should cholesterol levels be checked once they’re under control? For most adults, annual testing is sufficient, but individuals with a history of high cholesterol or other cardiovascular risk factors may require more frequent monitoring.

Adapting to Life Changes

Life events such as pregnancy, menopause, or changes in overall health can impact cholesterol levels. Being aware of these potential influences and discussing them with a healthcare provider can help ensure that cholesterol management strategies remain effective over time.

Which life changes are most likely to affect cholesterol levels? Significant weight changes, hormonal shifts, the development of chronic conditions like diabetes, and changes in medication regimens can all influence cholesterol levels.

The Role of Ongoing Education

Staying informed about advances in cholesterol management and cardiovascular health can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health. Reliable sources of information include:

• Healthcare providers
• Reputable health organizations (such as the American Heart Association)
• Peer-reviewed medical journals
• Accredited online health resources

Why is ongoing education important in cholesterol management? As research advances, new strategies for managing cholesterol may emerge. Staying informed allows individuals to discuss these developments with their healthcare providers and potentially benefit from the latest approaches to cardiovascular health.

In conclusion, understanding and managing cholesterol levels is a crucial aspect of maintaining overall cardiovascular health. By combining regular monitoring, lifestyle modifications, and medical interventions when necessary, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke. Remember, the journey to optimal cholesterol levels is a marathon, not a sprint, and consistent effort over time can lead to substantial improvements in long-term health outcomes.

Health ranges, what is high, and tips

Cholesterol levels vary by age, weight, and sex. They typically increase over time, and people over 20 should check their cholesterol levels every 5 years.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that nearly 94 million adults in the United States have high cholesterol. This increases a person’s risk of heart disease and stroke.

In this article, we look at how doctors measure cholesterol and the healthy levels at different stages of life. We also look at ways of lowering cholesterol and maintaining acceptable levels.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance. There are two types: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

If there is too much LDL or “bad” cholesterol in the bloodstream, it can build up in blood vessels, forming fatty deposits called plaques.These plaques can lead to other problems, including heart attacks and strokes.

Total and LDL cholesterol levels should be low. But having more HDL or “good,” cholesterol in the blood may reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Doctors can measure HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol levels. The results may also show levels of all non-HDL fats that can raise the risk of heart disease.

Cholesterol levels tend to increase with age. Taking steps to reach or maintain healthy levels earlier in life may prevent them from becoming dangerously high over time. Years of unmanaged cholesterol levels can be challenging to treat.

The CDC recommends that people aged 20 or over check their cholesterol levels at least once every 4–6 years or more frequently if they have other cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Children should have at least one cholesterol test at age 9–11 and another one at age 17–21. However, children with risk factors for high cholesterol may need more frequent checks.

Typically, males tend to have higher levels throughout their lives than females. A male’s cholesterol levels increase with age, and a female’s cholesterol levels rise after menopause.

The table below shows healthy levels of cholesterol by age, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Doctors measure cholesterol in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl).

For adults aged 20 and over, the following levels are significant:

For HDL cholesterol, higher levels are linked to a reduced risk of heart disease:

Aging aside, any changes in cholesterol levels usually stem from health conditions and lifestyle factors. Below, we describe healthy and unhealthy ranges in more detail.

Cholesterol levels for adults

A doctor may classify a person’s levels as high or low, borderline, or healthy.

Ideally, LDL cholesterol levels should be less than 100 mg/dl. Doctors may not express concern about levels of 100–129 mg/dl for people with no health issues, but they may suggest treatment at this stage for people with heart disease or its risk factors.

Cholesterol levels for children

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the following measures apply for children and adolescents aged 19 and below:

Other factors that affect blood cholesterol

The CDC point outs that some health conditions and lifestyle factors can raise cholesterol levels. It says that type 2 diabetes, for example, raises LDL cholesterol levels, as does familial hypercholesterolemia.

The CDC also states that having a diet high in saturated fats and getting low levels of exercise may contribute to high cholesterol levels.

In addition, it acknowledges that having family members with high cholesterol increases a person’s risk.

The NIH recommends these strategies for lowering cholesterol levels:

• having a diet rich in heart-healthy foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
• becoming more physically active
• quitting smoking, if this applies
• having a moderate weight
• managing stress

The NIH recommends consulting a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise plan. Overall, current guidelines advise people to aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise as well as muscle-strengthening exercise 2 days per week.

Having a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise can also bring down high cholesterol levels in children.

Generally, the earlier a person starts making these changes, the better for their cholesterol levels, as cholesterol builds up over time.

High cholesterol at any age increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. These risks only increase over time.

Drug therapies to treat high cholesterol

When lifestyle changes alone cannot bring down high cholesterol, doctors may recommend medications. The CDC reports that the following drugs and supplements can help:

• Statins: Statins keep the liver from producing cholesterol and are the most common medication for high cholesterol.

• Bile acid sequestrants: These drugs reduce the amount of fat that the body absorbs from food.
• Cholesterol absorption inhibitors: These drugs lower levels of fats called triglycerides in the blood and reduce the amount of cholesterol absorbed from food.
• Some vitamins and supplements: These, such as niacin, stop the liver from removing HDL and lower levels of triglycerides.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: These raise HDL levels and lower triglyceride levels.

Before the age of 18, a doctor should check a child’s cholesterol levels at least twice. If the child’s family has a history of heart disease, overweight, or certain other health conditions, doctors may recommend checking levels more often.

A healthcare professional should check cholesterol levels in adults aged 20 or older every 4–6 years.

The doctor may recommend treatment if:

• The results show high or borderline high levels of total and LDL cholesterol.
• The person is overweight.
• The person has a family history of heart disease.

Here are some questions people often ask about cholesterol levels.

What is the target range for cholesterol levels by age?

For children and teens, borderline high total cholesterol levels are 170–199 mg/dl and borderline high LDL levels are 100–129 mg/dl. For adults aged 20 and over, borderline high total cholesterol levels are 200–239 mg/dl and borderline high LDL levels are 130–159 mg/dl. Over this is very high.

What is a serious cholesterol level?

If total cholesterol levels are 240 mg/dl or above, a doctor will consider this very high, while 200–239 mg/dl is borderline high. Very high levels of LDL are 190 mg/dl and above. HDL cholesterol levels of 40 mg/dl or less are very low and a major risk factor for heart disease.

What reduces cholesterol quickly?

Dietary measures, weight management, and exercise can all help lower cholesterol levels. A doctor may prescribe medication if the person has other cardiovascular risk factors or if their levels are very high or do not respond to lifestyle measures.

Cholesterol levels increase with age, and having high cholesterol at any age increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Reaching or maintaining healthy levels may involve lifestyle changes and, if these are not enough, prescription medication.

A doctor should check cholesterol levels in adults, starting at the age of 20, every 4–6 years.

What is the normal range?

Non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is a way of measuring “bad” cholesterol in the body. A healthy range for adults aged 20 years and over is less than 130 milligrams per deciliter, according to the National Institutes of Health.

People need cholesterol for specific functions in the body, including building cells and making certain hormones and vitamins. However, excess cholesterol in the blood, especially “bad” cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, is detrimental to the body. It increases the risk of heart disease and other health issues.

Lipid profiles or lipid panels are blood tests that can measure a person’s cholesterol levels. They help doctors predict someone’s risk of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart disease.

One important measure of “bad” cholesterol levels in the blood test result is non-HDL cholesterol.

This article discusses non-HDL cholesterol, what it includes, and its typical range. It also explores other indicators that cholesterol tests involve and the levels that health experts consider healthy.

Doctors commonly measure non-HDL cholesterol levels in a lipid panel, also known as a cholesterol test.

It covers all the “bad” types of cholesterol in the body by subtracting HDL, or “good” cholesterol, from a person’s total cholesterol.

Many experts consider non-HDL a superior predictor of heart disease risk than LDL and cholesterol ratios because it encompasses LDL, very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins.

The typical range of non-HDL cholesterol varies with age. Anyone aged 19 and younger should have under 120 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl). Meanwhile, it should be under 130 mg/dl for anyone aged 20 years or older.

The higher the non-HDL cholesterol, the higher the risk of heart disease.

Learn more about high non-HDL cholesterol levels.

Not all lipid panel tests include the non-HDL cholesterol measurement. A doctor may request a lipid panel with non-HDL cholesterol if a person has a condition that puts them at a higher risk of heart disease.

People can calculate their non-HDL cholesterol by using their test results and following the equation: total cholesterol – HDL = non-HDL.

For example, if a person has a total cholesterol of 240 mg/dl and an HDL of 40, their non-HDL is 200 mg/dl.

Learn more about cholesterol ratios and why they are important.

Cholesterol tests usually report the following numbers and ratios:

• Total cholesterol (TC): This measures the total amount of cholesterol in the body, including HDL and LDL.
• HDL level: Health experts call HDL “good” cholesterol that helps clear fats from the bloodstream. The higher the level of HDL, the lower the person’s risk of heart disease. Learn more about HDL levels here.
• LDL level: Health experts call LDL “bad” cholesterol. It is the main cause of cholesterol buildup that blocks artery walls and causes atherosclerosis. Learn more about LDL here.
• VLDL level: VLDL mainly carries triglycerides away from the bloodstream into the body’s tissues. VLDL contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries. Learn more about VLDL here.
• Triglycerides: Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood that stores unused calories. Learn more about high triglycerides here.
• TC:HDL ratio: This ratio compares HDL in comparison with total cholesterol. Health experts consider scores above 5 as high.
• LDL-HDL ratio: Doctors commonly use this ratio to determine a person’s risk of heart disease. An individual can calculate this by dividing LDL by HDL. Health experts consider scores under 5 as healthy.
• Triglyceride-HDL ratio: Another ratio that can help indicate a person’s risk of developing coronary artery disease. People can calculate this by dividing their triglyceride number by their HDL result.

The table below shows the expected healthy cholesterol level based on age and gender according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

However, a doctor may have different cholesterol target goals for individuals with an existing or high risk of heart disease.

Meanwhile, the desirable total cholesterol to HDL ratio is 5:1, but the ideal ratio is 3. 5 to 1. A 2019 study shows that doctors can use the TC:HDL ratio to identify people at risk of early acute myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack.

Learn more about healthy cholesterol levels here.

High cholesterol level does not cause symptoms. A person can only determine if they have high cholesterol if they take a lipid profile test.

Experts recommend individuals undergo regular screening to keep their cholesterol levels in check. They state that:

• individuals aged 9–11 should undergo screening every 5 years
• males aged 45–65 and females aged 55–65 should undergo screening every 1–2 years
• people older than 65 years should undergo annual screening

They may also ask individuals at risk of heart disease to have their levels checked more often. These include those with:

• heart disease
• high cholesterol
• diabetes
• high blood pressure
• obesity

A person whose cholesterol results fall outside typical ranges should talk with their doctor. Aside from lifestyle changes, healthcare professionals may recommend regular screening to monitor their cholesterol levels and determine the need for medications.

Cholesterol readings are generally helpful in providing an overview of a person’s general health. However, many experts find non-HDL cholesterol to be a more reliable measure of someone’s heart disease risk.

A person with high levels of non-HDL cholesterol or undesirable cholesterol levels should talk with their doctors, who can help them reach or maintain healthy cholesterol levels. This may involve making lifestyle changes and, in some cases, prescription medications.

Is cholesterol so dangerous: we distinguish between harmful and beneficial types and learn to manage it – December 4, 2022

Lifestyle

Healthy life course

What is the norm and is it true that it’s not just about nutrition?

December 4, 2022, 10:59

discuss

A sedentary lifestyle, lack of regular exercise in the fresh air, overeating lead to the accumulation of bad cholesterolIllustration: Yuri Orlov / City portals

Share

This material is about cholesterol. Many have heard that he is good and bad, but what does this mean? What other lipids need to be controlled, and why is it not just about nutrition? Maria Tishchenko, a medical observer at the NHS, found out the answers to these questions.

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that the body produces on its own and also gets from food. It is an indispensable building material for all cell membranes. Cholesterol is also used in the synthesis of adrenal hormones, sex hormones, vitamin D.

– Cholesterol is usually divided into “good” and “bad”. In fact, this characteristic does not refer to the substance itself, but to lipoproteins. These are proteins that carry cholesterol through the bloodstream to tissues and organs. High-density lipoproteins perform a purely useful function, but low-density carriers tend to attach to the walls of blood vessels and form plaques, explains Ekaterina Kashukh, an expert at the Hemotest laboratory.

Since low-density lipoproteins damage the health of blood vessels, the expert explains, the cholesterol in their composition is called “bad”. The higher the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood, the higher the risk of cardiovascular diseases and their complications: coronary heart disease, heart attack, cerebrovascular accident.

There are different tests to check your cholesterol. The basic study is a test for total cholesterol: it will give a general idea of ​​​​the metabolism of a substance.

Please note that these are averages, in different laboratories the upper limit of the norm may be indicated differently!

According to Ekaterina Kashukh, the norm of total cholesterol in the blood does not differ in men and women over 18: values ​​above 5.18 mmol/l are considered elevated: for more detailed diagnostics. Thus, it is possible to evaluate the content of high and low density lipoproteins separately, as well as their ratio. This study is called the atherogenic index. If the indicator is above 4 mmol / l, this indicates a high risk of developing atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

Cardiologist of the network of multidisciplinary clinics for the whole family “1 + 1” Maxim Petrunin gives the following example: men have a normal cholesterol level – from 3. 5 to 6 mmol / l, preferably even up to 5.5; in women – from 3 to 5.5 mmol / l.

Cholesterol can be checked by donating blood from a veinPhoto: Maria Tishchenko / NGS.RU

Indeed, about a quarter of cholesterol enters the body with food, so dietary modification is the basic way to reduce cholesterol. Other well-known causes of high cholesterol are lack of physical activity and being overweight, says Ekaterina Kashukh.

However, there are factors that increase cholesterol, which do not depend on lifestyle. This is heredity, when, due to genetic mutations, an excess of a substance in the blood is formed. Cholesterol can also rise due to pathologies of the liver, the organ that produces most of the substance in the body.

Maxim Petrunin focuses on the fact that up to 30% of cholesterol enters the body with food, the rest is mechanisms that are not dependent on food.

He explains that cholesterol-raising foods include: meat, dairy products, palm and trans fats. Cholesterol-lowering foods include: oatmeal, soybeans, fruits, vegetables, vegetable oils, fatty sea fish.

Therapist at the Zdravitsa Family Medicine Center Evgenia Shutovich tells that it is now important to monitor all blood lipids, not only cholesterol: this issue is very relevant, since lipid metabolism disorders are considered as a leading factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis and related complications:

– Dyslipidemia – a violation of blood lipid metabolism. The concept includes a wide range of lipid metabolism disorders, so it is important to know not only the level of one cholesterol, but it is necessary to donate blood to the lipid spectrum (the so-called lipidogram), where several indicators of blood lipids and lipoproteins are examined.

Here are the main reasons, but not allYuriy Orlov / City Portals

Share

Total cholesterol. Elevated blood cholesterol levels increase the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. It is better if the level is not higher than 5–5.5.

Triglycerides is a source of energy and the main form of its storage in the body. But with an excess of calorie intake, combined with physical inactivity, adipose tissue begins to accumulate triglycerides. Hypertriglyceridemia can occur with overweight, alcohol abuse, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, hereditary metabolic disorders. The blood level should not exceed 1.7.

Low density lipoproteins (LDL) are particles that transport cholesterol to all cells of the body. High rates indicate an increased risk of cholesterol deposition in the vascular bed, the possible formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which can narrow the lumen of the vessels and contribute to thrombosis. It is necessary to strive for their indicators to be less than 3.0 at a low risk of cardiovascular diseases, and less than 1.4 at a very high risk.

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) – the so-called good lipids – are particles that circulate in the bloodstream that bind excess cholesterol and are transported to the liver, where cholesterol is converted into bile acids and excreted from the body. Women tend to have higher HDL than men. Normally, this fraction is > 1.2 in women and > 1.0 in men.

Atherogenic index is a calculated indicator that reflects the degree of risk of developing diseases of the heart and blood vessels, the higher it is, the higher the risk. Normally, it ranges from 2.2 to 3.5.

If cholesterol is elevated, it is better to look at other lipids in the bloodYuri Orlov / City portals

Share

Evgenia Shutovich explains that changes in cholesterol levels directly depend on the hormonal background: estrogens reduce, and androgens, on the contrary, increase the level of total cholesterol:

— When analyzing the lipid profile, it is very important to take into account the peculiarities of the hormonal background. Pre-menopausal women are known to have higher levels of high-density lipoproteins (“good”) than men. Therefore, the risk of cardiovascular diseases in this period is less for them than for men.

However, the doctor notes, after menopause there is a decrease in “good” lipoproteins and an increase in total cholesterol, as a result of which the risk of cardiovascular diseases increases. Therefore, it is important to be screened for pre- and menopausal women.

— It should also be noted that cholesterol levels may increase during pregnancy. In men, the level of cholesterol can rise in middle age, which is again due to the influence of androgens, emphasizes Evgenia Shutovich.

Evgenia Shutovich recommends blood lipid testing for men over 40 and women over 50 or after menopause. And also to patients with various diseases (for example, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, suffered a heart attack or stroke) and those who receive hormonal drugs for a long time.

Those who have these diseases especially need to monitor lipidsYuriy Orlov / City portals

Share

In most cases, the doctor selects drugs for treatment that affect the liver and block excess cholesterol production. The specialist also offers a special diet, recommendations on the level of physical activity and physical therapy, in particular to reduce excess weight, if you have such a problem.

It is important to keep a diet, Yevgenia Shutovich draws attention:

— It is necessary to limit the consumption of animal fats, avoid eating white bread and bakery products; add sea fish, fruits, vegetables, cereals to the diet. It is important not to exceed the daily calorie intake. And do not forget about sufficient physical activity, according to portability. It can be outdoor walks, group classes, a pool, walking on a treadmill.

A sedentary lifestyle, lack of regular exercise in the fresh air, and overeating lead to the accumulation of bad cholesterol. but not allYuri Orlov / City portals

If cholesterol is high, it is better to look at other blood lipidsYuri Orlov / City portals

Those who have these diseases should especially monitor lipidsYuri Orlov / City portals

Related

• 6 signs of vitamin D deficiency in the body and why the consequences of this can be serious — check yourself

  May 30, 2023, 08:14

• Against depression and loss of strength: what vitamins are needed in spring for a good mood

  April 30, 2023, 08:19

• Do seafood affect male strength? What about spinach? Doctors called products that increase potency

  April 27, 2023, 08:25

• Doctors told me which is more harmful – coffee or energy drinks. The answer is not so obvious

  June 24, 2023, 08:00

Maria Tishchenko

Reviewer

DoctorsCholesterolLipidsTests

LIKE13

90 010 SURPRISE1

SAD11

Comments 0

No comments yet.

Be the first to comment!

add comment

JOIN

The brightest photos and videos of the day are in our groups on social networks

VKontakteTelegramZen

Did you see a typo? Select a fragment and press Ctrl+Enter

Media news2

report news

Send your news to the editor, tell us about a problem or suggest a topic for publication. Upload your video and photos here.

• Vkontakte group

Company news

Comments

Company news

30.06.2023 19:20

The National Lottery at VK Fest 2023 in St. Petersburg will predict the future and raffle prizes

National Lottery brand, one of the participants in the main event of this summer — VK Fest 2023 (0 +), will install its own branded lounge-zone at the festival in St. Petersburg. The event will be held in the northern capital on July 1 and 2. In the lounge zone of the National Lottery, festival guests can relax on comfortable sun loungers, listen to performances by their favorite artists, take photos, use a special prediction stand, and, of course, purchase lottery tickets and participate in cool prize draws.(18…

02.07.2023 18:00

Do not eat sugar and constantly take blood: doctors dispelled the myths about diabetes, but not all

For the last two years in Russia, about 350 thousand people are diagnosed with diabetes each year. In total, there are about 5 million people with this diagnosis in the country. The same number may simply not know about the disease, since some patients are not examined, and diabetes does not manifest itself in the early stages. The participants of the Doctor Peter’s roundtable discussed the most common ideas about diabetes and told how to maintain the quality of life if the diagnosis is already made.

07/01/2023 18:00

No more, but better: surgeons told what intimate plastic surgery is and who needs it

more, and women who restore health after childbirth. How surgeons solve issues of aesthetics and functionality at the same time, the participants of the round table “Doctor Peter” discussed.

TOP 5

1 Traffic was stopped on the Crimean bridge due to the incident. What is known at the moment?

162 926

1252 The Tavrida highway in Crimea is blocked due to a new state of emergency There are traffic jams on the highways of 10-18 kilometers

68 539

2384 The billionaire Vasiliev is not as important as his wife. Petersburg Oil Terminal presented with a conflict of shareholders

59,164

495 Doctors told which vegetables do more harm than good

53,777

23 Company news

Lipidogram: reading cholesterol analysis – Regional Children’s Hospital

• 
  224013 BREST Khalturina street, 12

• 
  INFORMATION DESK +375 162 97-45-19

• 
  mail@bdob. by

Lipidogram: reading cholesterol analysis

Dyslipidemia is a hereditary or acquired condition characterized by a violation of the formation, metabolism and excretion of lipoproteins and fats from the body, which leads to an increase or decrease in their content in the blood.
Lipid screening is a blood chemistry test that detects dyslipidemia. We donate blood from a vein, on an empty stomach (after 12 hours of fasting). No special diets are necessary before the analysis! We need real values, not dietary data.

Main indicators:
Cholesterol
Normal values ​​3.1-5.2 mmol/l
Borderline high level 5.2-6.2 mmol/l
High level > 6.2 mmol/l
High 9 0253 cholesterol – the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Low cholesterol is also bad. Its deficiency reduces the synthesis of sex hormones, possibly with necrosis of liver cells, oncological diseases, etc.
High density lipoproteins (HDL) – “good” cholesterol. Carry cholesterol to the liver. The higher the number, the better (norm for men > 1.42 mmol / l, norm for women > 1.72 mmol / l).
Low density lipoproteins (LDL) – “bad” cholesterol. LDL carry cholesterol from the liver to the periphery (to the vessels and organs). Contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. The lower the number, the better (the norm is up to 2.59 mmol / l).

Atherogenic coefficient (CA) is a numerical expression of cardiovascular risks. The normal value is 2-3. The higher the score, the worse.
Triglycerides (TG) – normal less than 1.7 mmol/L. The TG level allows you to judge how carefully the patient is following the diet.
If KA and TG level are normal – fat metabolism is not disturbed. The level of total cholesterol in this case is not of great clinical significance.
If TG is elevated and/or HDL is below normal , then your fat metabolism is most likely impaired.