What does a total cholesterol level of 176 mg/dL indicate. How can you maintain optimal cholesterol levels for better heart health. What are the key factors influencing cholesterol levels and their impact on cardiovascular risk.

Decoding Your Total Cholesterol: What 176 mg/dL Means for Your Health

A total cholesterol level of 176 mg/dL is considered optimal and associated with better heart health and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. This number is calculated by combining several components of your lipid profile:

• LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol: Often called “bad” cholesterol
• HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol: Known as “good” cholesterol
• 20% of your triglyceride levels

To fully understand the significance of your total cholesterol reading, it’s crucial to examine each component individually:

LDL Cholesterol: The “Bad” Cholesterol

LDL cholesterol is termed “bad” because it can accumulate in blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease. Ideally, LDL levels should be below 100 mg/dL, but lower is generally better. High LDL levels contribute significantly to the formation of arterial plaque, which can lead to atherosclerosis and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

HDL Cholesterol: The “Good” Cholesterol

HDL cholesterol is considered “good” because it helps protect against heart disease. It acts like a scavenger, collecting excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transporting it back to the liver for disposal. The ideal HDL level is above 60 mg/dL, though levels above 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women are still considered beneficial. Unlike LDL, higher HDL levels are associated with better cardiovascular health.

Triglycerides: Another Important Factor

Triglycerides are another type of fat that can accumulate in the bloodstream and increase the risk of heart disease. Optimal triglyceride levels should be below 150 mg/dL. High triglyceride levels often accompany other lipid abnormalities and can be a marker of metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

The Impact of Cholesterol on Cardiovascular Health

Cholesterol plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health, and understanding its impact is essential for maintaining overall well-being. How does cholesterol affect your heart and blood vessels? Excess LDL cholesterol can lead to the formation of plaque in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This buildup narrows the arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

On the other hand, HDL cholesterol helps counteract this process by removing excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transporting it to the liver for elimination. This protective effect of HDL is why it’s often referred to as “good” cholesterol.

The balance between LDL and HDL cholesterol is crucial. A high ratio of LDL to HDL increases cardiovascular risk, while a lower ratio is associated with better heart health. This is why a total cholesterol level of 176 mg/dL, which typically reflects a favorable balance between these components, is considered optimal.

Factors Influencing Cholesterol Levels: What You Need to Know

Cholesterol levels are influenced by a variety of factors, some of which are within our control and others that are not. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions about managing your cholesterol levels:

Genetic Factors

Genetics play a significant role in determining your cholesterol levels. Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol, a condition known as familial hypercholesterolemia. In these cases, lifestyle changes alone may not be sufficient to maintain optimal cholesterol levels, and medication may be necessary.

Diet and Nutrition

Your diet has a substantial impact on cholesterol levels. Foods high in saturated and trans fats can increase LDL cholesterol, while a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Specific nutrients, such as soluble fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, have been shown to have cholesterol-lowering effects.

Physical Activity

Regular exercise can help increase HDL cholesterol levels and lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Even moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking for 30 minutes a day, can have beneficial effects on your lipid profile.

Body Weight

Being overweight or obese is associated with higher LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as lower HDL cholesterol. Losing excess weight can help improve your overall cholesterol profile.

Age and Gender

Cholesterol levels tend to increase with age, and the risk of high cholesterol is higher in postmenopausal women. Men generally have lower HDL cholesterol levels than women, which may contribute to their higher risk of heart disease at younger ages.

Strategies for Maintaining Optimal Cholesterol Levels

Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is crucial for reducing the risk of heart disease and promoting overall cardiovascular health. What are some effective strategies for keeping your cholesterol in check? Here are several evidence-based approaches:

Heart-Healthy Diet

Adopt a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Aim for 30-40 grams of fiber daily, as fiber can help lower cholesterol levels. Limit refined carbohydrates and added sugars, which can contribute to elevated triglycerides. Choose lean proteins and incorporate plant-based protein sources. Include fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and trout in your diet at least twice a week for their omega-3 fatty acid content.

Reduce Saturated and Trans Fats

Limit your intake of saturated fats to less than 10% of your total daily calories. Avoid trans fats (partially hydrogenated oils) entirely, as they can raise LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol. Replace these unhealthy fats with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in olive oil, nuts, and avocados.

Regular Physical Activity

Engage in moderate-intensity exercise for 30-60 minutes most days of the week. This can include activities like brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or any other form of aerobic exercise you enjoy. Regular physical activity can help raise HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

If you’re overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can have a positive impact on your cholesterol levels. Aim for a gradual, sustainable weight loss through a combination of a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

Consider Plant Sterols and Stanols

Incorporate plant sterols and stanols into your diet. These compounds, found naturally in some plant-based foods and available as supplements, can help lower LDL cholesterol. Aim for about 2 grams daily, either through fortified foods or supplements.

Quit Smoking

If you smoke, quitting can help improve your HDL cholesterol levels and reduce your overall cardiovascular risk. Smoking cessation also provides numerous other health benefits beyond cholesterol management.

Manage Other Health Conditions

If you have diabetes, work with your healthcare provider to achieve and maintain good blood sugar control. Uncontrolled diabetes can contribute to abnormal cholesterol levels and increase cardiovascular risk.

The Role of Medications in Cholesterol Management

While lifestyle changes are the foundation of cholesterol management, some individuals may require medication to achieve optimal cholesterol levels. When are medications necessary for managing cholesterol? Your healthcare provider may recommend medication if:

• Lifestyle changes alone are not sufficient to reach target cholesterol levels
• You have a high risk of cardiovascular disease due to other factors
• You have familial hypercholesterolemia or other genetic conditions affecting cholesterol metabolism

Several types of medications can be used to manage cholesterol levels:

Statins

Statins are the most commonly prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications. They work by inhibiting an enzyme involved in cholesterol production in the liver. Statins can significantly lower LDL cholesterol and may also have modest effects on raising HDL cholesterol and lowering triglycerides.

Bile Acid Sequestrants

These medications work in the intestines to bind bile acids, which are made from cholesterol. This process indirectly lowers cholesterol levels by prompting the liver to use more cholesterol to produce bile acids.

Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors

These drugs work by reducing the absorption of cholesterol from the small intestine. They can be used alone or in combination with statins for more effective cholesterol lowering.

PCSK9 Inhibitors

These newer medications are typically reserved for individuals with very high cholesterol levels or those at high risk of cardiovascular events. They work by blocking a protein that interferes with the liver’s ability to remove LDL cholesterol from the blood.

Monitoring and Managing Your Cholesterol Levels: A Lifelong Commitment

Maintaining optimal cholesterol levels is not a one-time effort but a lifelong commitment to heart health. How often should you have your cholesterol levels checked? The frequency of cholesterol testing depends on various factors, including your age, risk factors, and current cholesterol levels:

• For adults with no risk factors: Every 4-6 years
• For adults with cardiovascular risk factors: More frequent testing as recommended by your healthcare provider
• For children and adolescents: Once between ages 9-11 and again between ages 17-21

Regular monitoring allows you and your healthcare provider to track changes in your cholesterol levels over time and make necessary adjustments to your management plan. It’s important to remember that cholesterol levels can fluctuate, and a single measurement may not always provide a complete picture of your cardiovascular health.

In addition to regular testing, consider these strategies for long-term cholesterol management:

Set Realistic Goals

Work with your healthcare provider to set realistic goals for your cholesterol levels based on your individual risk factors and overall health status. Remember that progress may be gradual, and consistency is key.

Track Your Progress

Keep a record of your cholesterol test results and lifestyle changes. This can help you stay motivated and identify patterns or trends that may affect your cholesterol levels.

Stay Informed

Keep up-to-date with the latest research and recommendations regarding cholesterol management. New insights and treatment options may become available over time.

Address Other Cardiovascular Risk Factors

While managing cholesterol is important, it’s just one aspect of cardiovascular health. Pay attention to other risk factors such as blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and smoking status.

Be Prepared for Changes

As you age or experience life changes, your cholesterol management needs may evolve. Be prepared to adjust your approach as needed, always in consultation with your healthcare provider.

The Future of Cholesterol Management: Emerging Research and Technologies

The field of cholesterol management is continually evolving, with new research and technologies emerging to improve our understanding and treatment of lipid disorders. What are some promising developments in cholesterol management? Here are a few areas of ongoing research and innovation:

Genetic Testing and Personalized Medicine

Advancements in genetic testing are allowing for more personalized approaches to cholesterol management. By identifying specific genetic variants associated with cholesterol metabolism, healthcare providers may be able to tailor treatment plans more effectively to individual patients.

Novel Drug Therapies

Researchers are exploring new medications that target different aspects of cholesterol metabolism. For example, drugs that inhibit ANGPTL3 (angiopoietin-like protein 3) are showing promise in lowering LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in clinical trials.

RNA Interference Therapies

RNA interference (RNAi) technologies are being developed to silence genes involved in cholesterol production. These therapies could potentially provide long-lasting cholesterol reduction with less frequent dosing compared to current medications.

Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods

There is growing interest in the potential of nutraceuticals and functional foods to support cholesterol management. Compounds such as bergamot extract, red yeast rice, and specific probiotic strains are being studied for their cholesterol-lowering effects.

Advanced Imaging Techniques

New imaging technologies are allowing for more detailed assessment of arterial plaque and cardiovascular risk. These techniques may help identify individuals who could benefit from more aggressive cholesterol management strategies.

As research in these areas continues, it’s likely that we’ll see more sophisticated and targeted approaches to cholesterol management in the future. However, it’s important to remember that while these advancements are promising, the foundations of heart-healthy living – a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and not smoking – remain crucial for maintaining optimal cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health.

Total Cholesterol: 176 mg/dL

ProductsArticlesBiomarkersAnswersContact

Menu

ProductsArticlesBiomarkersAnswersContact

Elle Penner, MPH, RD

5 mins

  What does a total cholesterol level of 176 mean?  How to maintain optimal total cholesterol levels

What does a total cholesterol level of 176 mean?

A total cholesterol level of 176 mg/dL is considered optimal and is associated with better heart health and a lower risk of heart disease.

Total cholesterol is calculated by adding your LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and 20% of triglyceride levels. 

• LDL is commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol because it accumulates in the blood vessels and increases your risk for heart disease. Ideally, LDL levels should be less than 100 mg/dL, but lower is better. 

• HDL is considered “good” cholesterol because it protects against heart disease by scavenging cholesterol in the blood and returning it to the liver for excretion. The ideal HDL level is >60 mg/dL, though >40 mg/dL for men and >50 mg/dL for women are still considered good. Opposite of LDL, the higher your HDL, the better.

• Triglycerides are another type of fat that can build up in the bloodstream and increase your risk of heart disease. Ideally, triglyceride levels should be <150 mg/dL.  

How to maintain optimal total cholesterol levels

Maintaining a healthy total cholesterol level is good for your overall health and can lower your risk of developing heart disease in the future. 

Because cholesterol levels tend to increase with age it’s best to put heart-healthy habits into place now. Here are some things you can do to help keep your levels in the optimal range:  

• Eat plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and legumes, aiming to get 30-40g fiber each day. 

• Limit refined carbs and added sugars in your diet, like those found in soda, chips, candy, baked goods, sweetened yogurt, and ice cream.

• Avoid trans fats (partially hydrogenated oils) and reduce saturated fat intake to <10% of total calories. 

• Eat small, fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and trout, at least twice a week. 

• Exercise for 30-60 minutes most days of the week.

• Incorporate plant sterols and stanols daily (2g) in the form of food or a supplement. 

• Lose weight if you are overweight or obese.

• Quit smoking if you currently smoke.

• If you have diabetes, achieve and maintain good blood sugar control (HbA1c).

References

1. Cholesterol Levels: What You Need to Know. (n.d.). U.S. National Library of Medicine | NIH. Retrieved September 9, 2021, from

   https://medlineplus.gov/cholesterollevelswhatyouneedtoknow.html

2. Carotid Artery Disease. (n.d.). National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute | NIH. Retrieved September 9, 2021, from

   https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/carotid-artery-disease

3. High cholesterol. (n.d.). NHS Inform. Retrieved September 9, 2021, from

   https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/blood-and-lymph/high-cholesterol

4. Racette, S. B., Lin, X., Lefevre, M., Spearie, C. A., Most, M. M., Ma, L., & Ostlund, R. E., Jr (2010). Dose effects of dietary phytosterols on cholesterol metabolism: a controlled feeding study. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 91(1), 32–38.

   https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.2009.28070

5. Cholesterol: Types, Tests, Treatments, Prevention. (2020, July 31). Cleveland Clinic.

   https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11920-cholesterol-numbers-what-do-they-mean

Predictive and protective role of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in acute myocardial infarction

Observational Study

. 2019;26(2):176-185.

doi: 10.5603/CJ.a2018.0020.

Epub 2018 Mar 7.

Jin Sup Park 
^1
 
2
, Kwang Soo Cha 
^3
 
4
, Hye Won Lee 
¹
, Jun-Hyok Oh 
¹
, Jung Hyun Choi 
¹
, Han Cheol Lee 
¹
, Taek Jong Hong 
¹
, Myung Ho Jeong 
⁵
, Shung Chull Chae 
⁶
, Young Jo Kim 
⁷

Affiliations

Affiliations

• ¹ Department of Cardiology, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, South Korea.
• ² Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, South Korea.
• ³ Department of Cardiology, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, South Korea. [email protected].
• ⁴ Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, South Korea. [email protected].
• ⁵ Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, South Korea.
• ⁶ Department of Cardiology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, South Korea.
• ⁷ Department of Cardiology, Yeungnam University Hospital, Daegu, South Korea.

• PMID:

  29512093

• PMCID:

  PMC8086654

• DOI:

  10.5603/CJ.a2018.0020

Free PMC article

Observational Study

Jin Sup Park et al.

Cardiol J.

2019.

Free PMC article

. 2019;26(2):176-185.

doi: 10.5603/CJ.a2018.0020.

Epub 2018 Mar 7.

Authors

Jin Sup Park 
^1
 
2
, Kwang Soo Cha 
^3
 
4
, Hye Won Lee 
¹
, Jun-Hyok Oh 
¹
, Jung Hyun Choi 
¹
, Han Cheol Lee 
¹
, Taek Jong Hong 
¹
, Myung Ho Jeong 
⁵
, Shung Chull Chae 
⁶
, Young Jo Kim 
⁷

Affiliations

• ¹ Department of Cardiology, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, South Korea.
• ² Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, South Korea.
• ³ Department of Cardiology, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, South Korea. [email protected].
• ⁴ Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, South Korea. [email protected].
• ⁵ Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, South Korea.
• ⁶ Department of Cardiology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, South Korea.
• ⁷ Department of Cardiology, Yeungnam University Hospital, Daegu, South Korea.

• PMID:

  29512093

• PMCID:

  PMC8086654

• DOI:

  10.5603/CJ.a2018.0020

Abstract

Background:

It is unclear whether high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level predicts cardiovascular events and has a protective effect in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergo- ing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and statin treatment.

Methods:

A total of 15,290 AMI patients receiving statins were selected from the Korean Myocardial Infarction Registry. Baseline HDL-C level was used to identify patients with low (group A), normal (group B), and high (group C) HDL-C levels according to the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Clinical outcomes were compared in propensity-adjusted and matched cohorts. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular death and recurrent myocardial infarction.

Results:

At the median follow-up of 11.5 months, the primary endpoint occurred in 2.7% (112/4098), 1.4% (54/3910), and 1.2% (8/661) of patients in groups A, B, and C, respectively. In the propensity- -adjusted cohort, low HDL-C level increased the risk of primary endpoint (hazard ratio [HR] 1.755, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.274-2.417, p = 0.001), whereas high HDL-C level did not reduce this risk (HR 0.562, 95% CI 0.275-1.146, p = 0.113). In the propensity-matched cohort, low HDL-C level increased the risk of primary endpoint (HR 1.716, 95% CI 1.210-2.434, p = 0.002), whereas high HDL-C level reduced this risk (HR 0.449, 95% CI 0.214-0.946, p = 0.035).

Conclusions:

In AMI patients treated with PCI and statins, low HDL-C level increases the risk of cardiovascular death and recurrent myocardial infarction, whereas high HDL-C level likely reduces the risk of cardiovascular events, especially for ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Keywords:

acute myocardial infarction; cardiovascular events; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; statin.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: None declared

Figures

Figure 1

Study flowchart; AMI — acute…

Figure 1

Study flowchart; AMI — acute myocardial infarction; HDL-C — high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; KAMIR…

Figure 1

Study flowchart; AMI — acute myocardial infarction; HDL-C — high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; KAMIR — the Korean Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry.

Figure 2

Survival curves free from cardiovascular…

Figure 2

Survival curves free from cardiovascular (CV) death and myocardial infarction (MI) during follow-up…

Figure 2

Survival curves free from cardiovascular (CV) death and myocardial infarction (MI) during follow-up in the propensity score-adjusted cohort; HDL-C — high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Figure 3

Survival curves free from cardiovascular…

Figure 3

Survival curves free from cardiovascular death and myocardial infarction during follow-up in Group…

Figure 3

Survival curves free from cardiovascular death and myocardial infarction during follow-up in Group A vs. Group B+C (A) and Group A+B vs. Group C (B) in the propensity score-matched cohort; CV — cardiovascular; HDL-C — high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; MI — myocardial infarction.

See this image and copyright information in PMC

Similar articles

• Relation between paradoxical decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels after statin therapy and adverse cardiovascular events in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

  Ota T, Ishii H, Suzuki S, Tanaka A, Shibata Y, Tatami Y, Harata S, Shimbo Y, Takayama Y, Kawamura Y, Osugi N, Maeda K, Kondo T, Murohara T.

  Ota T, et al.
  Am J Cardiol. 2015 Feb 15;115(4):411-6. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2014.11.043. Epub 2014 Dec 17.
  Am J Cardiol. 2015.

  PMID: 25555656

• Benefits of Statin Therapy in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction With Serum Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol ≤ 50 mg/dl.

  Piao ZH, Jin L, Kim JH, Ahn Y, Kim YJ, Cho MC, Kim CJ, Kim HS, Liu B, Jeong MH; Other Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry (KAMIR) Investigators.

  Piao ZH, et al.
  Am J Cardiol. 2017 Jul 15;120(2):174-180. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2017.04.003. Epub 2017 Apr 27.
  Am J Cardiol. 2017.

  PMID: 28532771

• Impact of low level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol sampled in overnight fasting state on the clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (difference between ST-segment and non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction).

  Ji MS, Jeong MH, Ahn YK, Kim YJ, Chae SC, Hong TJ, Seong IW, Chae JK, Kim CJ, Cho MC, Rha SW, Bae JH, Seung KB, Park SJ; Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry Investigators.

  Ji MS, et al.
  J Cardiol. 2015 Jan;65(1):63-70. doi: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2014.04.002. Epub 2014 Sep 18.
  J Cardiol. 2015.

  PMID: 25242301

• High-density lipoprotein cholesterol as a predictor of clinical outcomes in patients achieving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol targets with statins after percutaneous coronary intervention.

  Seo SM, Choo EH, Koh YS, Park MW, Shin DI, Choi YS, Park HJ, Kim DB, Her SH, Lee JM, Park CS, Kim PJ, Moon KW, Chang K, Kim HY, Yoo KD, Jeon DS, Chung WS, Park YG, Seung KB; Catholic University of Korea, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Registry investigators.

  Seo SM, et al.
  Heart. 2011 Dec;97(23):1943-50. doi: 10.1136/hrt.2011.225466. Epub 2011 Jun 10.
  Heart. 2011.

  PMID: 21665885
  Free PMC article.

• Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol predicts nonfatal recurrent myocardial infarction in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.

  Gao M, Zheng Y, Zhang W, Cheng Y, Wang L, Qin L.

  Gao M, et al.
  Lipids Health Dis. 2017 Jan 23;16(1):20. doi: 10.1186/s12944-017-0418-5.
  Lipids Health Dis. 2017.

  PMID: 28114933
  Free PMC article.

See all similar articles

Cited by

• Screening and identification of potential protein biomarkers for the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.

  Shi LY, Han YS, Chen J, Li ZB, Li JC, Jiang TT.

  Shi LY, et al.
  Ann Transl Med. 2021 May;9(9):743. doi: 10.21037/atm-20-7891.
  Ann Transl Med. 2021.

  PMID: 34268356
  Free PMC article.

• Inclisiran-Silencing the Cholesterol, Speaking up the Prognosis.

  Rogula S, Błażejowska E, Gąsecka A, Szarpak Ł, Jaguszewski MJ, Mazurek T, Filipiak KJ.

  Rogula S, et al.
  J Clin Med. 2021 Jun 2;10(11):2467. doi: 10.3390/jcm10112467.
  J Clin Med. 2021.

  PMID: 34199468
  Free PMC article.

  Review.

• Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio serve as a predictor for coronary collateral circulation in chronic total occlusive patients.

  Li Y, Chen X, Li S, Ma Y, Li J, Lin M, Wan J.

  Li Y, et al.
  BMC Cardiovasc Disord. 2021 Jun 23;21(1):311. doi: 10.1186/s12872-021-02129-9.
  BMC Cardiovasc Disord. 2021.

  PMID: 34162320
  Free PMC article.

• Antiplatelet Effects of PCSK9 Inhibitors in Primary Hypercholesterolemia.

  Pęczek P, Leśniewski M, Mazurek T, Szarpak L, Filipiak KJ, Gąsecka A.

  Pęczek P, et al.
  Life (Basel). 2021 May 23;11(6):466. doi: 10.3390/life11060466.
  Life (Basel). 2021.

  PMID: 34071103
  Free PMC article.

  Review.

• Neutrophil to high-density lipoprotein ratio has a superior prognostic value in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction: a comparison study.

  Huang JB, Chen YS, Ji HY, Xie WM, Jiang J, Ran LS, Zhang CT, Quan XQ.

  Huang JB, et al.
  Lipids Health Dis. 2020 Apr 4;19(1):59. doi: 10.1186/s12944-020-01238-2.
  Lipids Health Dis. 2020.

  PMID: 32247314
  Free PMC article.

See all “Cited by” articles

References

1. 1. Jafri H, Alsheikh-Ali AA, Karas RH. Meta-analysis: statin therapy does not alter the association between low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increased cardiovascular risk. Ann Intern Med. 2010;153(12):800–808. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-153-12-201012210-00006.

      –

      DOI

      –

      PubMed

2. 1. Barter P, Gotto AM, LaRosa JC, et al. Treating to New Targets Investigators. HDL cholesterol, very low levels of LDL cholesterol, and cardiovascular events. N Engl J Med. 2007;357(13):1301–1310. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa064278.

      –

      DOI

      –

      PubMed

3. 1. Olsson AG, Schwartz GG, Szarek M, et al. High-density lipoprotein, but not low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels influence short-term prognosis after acute coronary syndrome: results from the MIRACL trial. Eur Heart J. 2005;26(9):890–896. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehi186.

      –

      DOI

      –

      PubMed

4. 1. Duffy D, Rader DJ. Update on strategies to increase HDL quantity and function. Nat Rev Cardiol. 2009;6(7):455–463. doi: 10.1038/nrcardio.2009.94.

      –

      DOI

      –

      PubMed

5. 1. Acharjee S, Roe MT, Amsterdam EA, et al. Relation of admission high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and in-hospital mortality in patients with acute non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry) Am J Cardiol. 2013;112(8):1057–1062. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2013.05.050.

      –

      DOI

      –

      PubMed

Publication types

MeSH terms

Substances

What is “bad” and “good” cholesterol and how do they differ? The ministry denied everything

The FSB announced the arrest of smugglers with radioactive cesium-137: news from the SVO for June 23

Two Tatarstan officials fell under European sanctions. All because of the camps

“Come tomorrow.” A fatal slap in the face and the only main role: how was the fate of actress Ekaterina Savinova

Eyes wide open: 3 stories of amazingly beautiful twins — they want to be different, but they are perceived as one whole

Russia is preparing for the plague: Rospotrebnadzor published recommendations for the regions after the plague outbreak in Mongolia

Died near the wreckage of the Titanic. The crash of the Titan submersible is simulated — video

“It will take more than one year”: an aviation expert explained why the Kazan “carcasses” are being changed and what it will bring

Charged car. How we tried to drive 300 km on the electric Moskvich-3e without recharging

“After age 44, 90% of eggs have chromosomal abnormalities.” Geneticist – about the risk of late birth. Father’s age matters

“Something baked in the chest”: a year ago Yuri Shatunov died. Participants of “Tender May” left one after another

The mother of the dead conscript was accused of discrediting the army — she was denounced

“I will personally shoot you, creature. ” A Kazan psychologist is threatened with murder if she comes to Dagestan

“We went to collect bottles and hand them over”: the fate of Yuri Shatunov — from orphanhood to national love

VTsIOM updated ratings of confidence in Putin and the government

Pre-revolutionary “openwork” towers in Kazan are asked to be preserved. Because of them, officials and experts quarreled

“Catastrophic explosion of the ship”: the missing bathyscaphe “Titan” was searched for four days, and he drowned almost immediately

Alvin Gray plagiarized the song of Klava Koka? We listen and compare

“In the rain and in the hurricane.” An 18-year-old IT specialist winds up the clock at the church every week – without him, the unique clocks will stop

Unemployment in Russia is at a record low. The authorities say it’s good. And in fact?

“The Syuyumbike tower is falling, but he is not!” Frank discussions of a blogger from Kazan about dikpiks in PM

The doctor demanded compensation from the patient due to a negative review on the Internet. They have been suing for three years

“It’s a toy for adults.” Director of “Titanic” – about the deadly catastrophe with the bathyscaphe

“Catastrophic explosion”. How billionaires died on the missing bathyscaphe: the version of the authorities0003

The billionaires who disappeared on the Titan submersible died. Official statement of the company

Wreckage was found at the place where the bathyscaphe with billionaires went missing. But the search continues

111 years ago the wealthy Strauss couple refused to leave the sinking Titanic. One of the passengers of the missing bathyscaphe is the husband of their great-great-granddaughter

The State Department called the supply of weapons to Ukraine a “US strategy”: NWO news for June 22

Boeing

“Satanic Seminar”: millionaire blogger Hasbik announced harassment against a psychologist from Kazan

“I thought: there are so many bans – it’s easier not to fly. But it turned out that everything is not so strict. Russian photographer dispelled the myths about Saudi Arabia How not to accidentally lose the purchased property: manual

Is there still hope? Experts told if members of the crew of the missing submersible “Titan” can survive

How often to water and feed strawberries: we get large sweet berries and properly protect them from weevil

A year without Yura Shatunov. Let’s remember what the artist was like and how he left: video

Godfather. How a businessman sent his best friend and his godson to the colony – they called him a hanger-on

The head of the Foreign Ministry was not enough: in Belgium they demand to fire the prime minister because of a Kazan official

Soft-boiled cars. A fatal accident occurred in Dagestan with a truck, a passenger car and a bus with tourists

“Proposals to stop supporting developers have already been made.” Experts on the situation on the real estate market

All news

org/Person”> Photo: Roman Danilkin / 63.RU

Share

It is often believed that cholesterol is definitely harmful. But cholesterol-rich foods have gotten a bad rap because of misconceptions about what cholesterol is and how it affects health. It is important to understand that not always cholesterol has a negative effect on our body. It may even be beneficial. What? Experts say.

First, our cell membranes are made of cholesterol. Cholesterol is also an important element for the functioning of the nervous system, because it is part of the shells of neuronal processes. It is used for the synthesis of many male and female sex hormones, is involved in the reproduction of vitamin D, which contributes to normal growth and strengthens bones.

“Dietary cholesterol affects heart health,” says nutritionist Inna Zorina. – Although some people are more sensitive to dietary cholesterol than others, it is generally possible to include foods rich in nutrients and cholesterol in a healthy diet. In fact, incorporating cholesterol-rich nutritious foods into your diet, such as eggs and whole yogurt, can improve health by increasing satiety and providing important nutrients that other foods lack.

Cholesterol enters the body in the form of animal fats found in foods. The total amount of cholesterol in the body is approximately 140 grams. But this is not enough, so the necessary balance (up to 80%) is replenished from the inside thanks to the work of the liver.

According to experts, cholesterol cannot enter cells because it cannot be dissolved in water. Therefore, he needs “allies” – protein components that help cholesterol get to the right places. Such a tandem is usually called lipoproteins, which have different densities. It is in connection with this density that cholesterol has divisions into “bad” and “good”.

“Low-density lipoproteins (a source of “bad” cholesterol) contain less protein and more cholesterol and triglycerides,” says nutritionist Tamara Kramcheninova. – In the process of movement, due to bulky molecules, they leave too many harmful substances on the walls of blood vessels in the form of cholesterol itself and lipids. High-density lipoproteins (a source of “good” cholesterol), on the contrary, contain more protein and cholesterol molecules. Their movement is much easier and faster.

You can find out about the ratio of two types of cholesterol during blood tests. Normal indicators are: total cholesterol – less than 5.5 mmol / liter, triglycerides – less than 1.7 mmol / liter, LDL – less than 3.5 mmol / liter, HDL content: men – more than 1, women – more than 1.2 mmol /liter.

The amount of “good” cholesterol in the body can decrease due to obesity and diabetes, as well as smoking and eating foods rich in fast carbohydrates.

What else is important to know about healthy nutrition, read in our review.

Ilya Nenko

Chief editor of the national editorial office

FoodDietNutritionistDietitianCholesterol

• SURPRISE0
• ANGER0
• SAD0

See the typo? Select the fragment and press Ctrl+Enter

COMMENTS0

Guest

Login

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE).

Detection of polymorphism e2-e3-e4

The marker is associated with changes in lipoprotein metabolism. Investigated to identify genetic predisposition to atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, Alzheimer’s disease, hyperlipoproteinemia (HLP), type 3, coronary heart disease, memory impairment in the elderly, multiple sclerosis. It is used to select a diet, to resolve the issue of the advisability of prescribing statins. Has prognostic value in traumatic brain injury.

Test method

Restriction fragment length polymorphism.

What biomaterial can be used for research?

Buccal (buccal) epithelium, venous blood.

How to properly prepare for an examination?

No preparation required.

Gene name

APOE.

OMIM

+107741.

Localization of the gene on the chromosome

19q13. 32 .

Gene function

Gene ApoE encodes the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) protein. The ApoE protein is an enzyme that plays an important role in lipid metabolism .

Genetic marker APOE 6 2- E 3- E 4)

There are three isoforms of apolipoprotein E (ApoE2, -E3 and -E4) encoded by three different alleles of the gene. The E2, E3, and E4 isoforms differ in the amino acid sequence at two sites: 112 (site A) and 158 (site B), in which the amino acid changes from cysteine ​​to arginine occur.

A poE3 The gene allele is characterized by the presence of the amino acid cysteine ​​at position 130 and arginine at position 176: ApoE3 (cys130, arg176).

A poE2 has a cysteine ​​at both position 130 and 176: ApoE2 (cys130, cys176).

A poE4 has arginine at both position 130 and 176: ApoE4 (arg130, arg176).

Possible genotypes

• E2/E2
• E2/E3
• E3/E3
• E3/E4
• E2/E4
• E4/E4

The occurrence in the population

The occurrence of the E2 allele is 11%, E4 – 17%.

Association of marker with diseases

• Diabetes mellitus;
• metabolic syndrome;
• obesity;
• cardiovascular disease;
• stroke;
• dysbetalipoproteinemia;
• hyperlipoproteinemia;
• xanthomatosis;
• Alzheimer’s disease.

General information about the study

Apolipoprotein E is a blood plasma protein that is part of chylomicrons and very low density lipoproteins. It is one of the most important proteins involved in the metabolism of blood lipids and cholesterol in the brain.

Fatty acids and cholesterol are components of cell membranes, precursors for steroid hormones, vitamin D and bile acids. They also play an important role in the functioning of the central nervous system.

Lipoproteins differ in size, structure, function, and are divided mainly into four groups: chylomicrons, VLDL (very low density lipoprotein), LDL (low density lipoprotein) and HDL (high density lipoprotein).

An important component of lipoproteins is ApoE (apolipoprotein E), which is synthesized mainly in the liver and brain and regulates the metabolism of lipoproteins. The main function of ApoE is participation in the transport of cholesterol to tissues from the sites of its synthesis or absorption as part of lipoproteins.

The human ApoE protein consists of 299 amino acids and two domains: one binds to lipid, and the second determines the binding to ApoE receptors on liver cells and peripheral tissue cells, removing excess LDL, chylomicrons from the blood.

ApoE also modulates the activity of lipoprotein lipase, an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of phospholipids and triglycerides, chylomicrons, and VLDL.

In the brain, ApoE is synthesized by astrocytes and microglia, and its receptors are expressed by neurons. Thus, ApoE delivers cholesterol from brain glial cells to neurons.

The apolipoprotein E protein is encoded by the gene A poE , which is located on chromosome 19 and is in a cluster with other apolipoproteins A poC1 and A poc2. The gene consists of 4 exons, 3 introns, 3597 base pairs and is characterized by polymorphism – there are about 30 variants of the gene A pOE .

Two point substitutions in the gene ApoE (cys130arg, arg176cys) form three main variants – E2, E3 and E4 – differing in amino acids at positions 130 and 176.

A POE3 is characterized by the presence of the amino acid cysteine ​​at position 130 and arginine at position 176: ApoE3 (cys130, arg176).

A POE2 has a cysteine ​​at both positions 130 and 176: ApoE2 (cys130, cys176).

A POE4 has arginine at both position 130 and 176: ApoE4 (arg130, arg176).

Amino acid substitutions affect ApoE structure, stability and affinity to receptors. As a result, lipoprotein metabolism is altered, which may predispose to lipid disorders and their consequences.

Variants of the apolipoprotein E gene are well studied. All genes are presented in pairs, one from each parent. Thus, there are six possible combinations of the APOE gene: E2/2, E2/3, E3/3, E4/2, E4/3, E4/4.

Genotype A poE3/E3 is the most common (~ 60% of the population) and is considered normal, i.e. does not increase the risk of atherosclerosis. The remaining 40% of people carry at least one E2 or E4 variant associated with varying degrees of disorders in cholesterol metabolism. This can lead to the development of pathological conditions and be a factor influencing the effectiveness of the diet used as a prophylaxis.

The presence of the ApoE2 allele significantly increases the risk of developing the rare disease hyperlipoproteinemia (HLP), type 3. Most people with this disorder have two copies of E2. The disease is characterized by elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

The presence of the allele ApoE4 affects the risk of cardiovascular disease. In the presence of at least one allele A poE4 , the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis increases. This disease, characterized by progressive narrowing of blood vessels due to cholesterol plaques, increases the risk of coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction and stroke.

ApoE4 is associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease. If there are two copies E4 the risk is higher than with one copy of E4 .

Carrying ApoE4 is also associated with poor recovery from traumatic brain injury and stroke.

Knowledge of the genotype according to ApoE will allow not only to assess the risk of developing pathological conditions, but also to correctly determine the tactics of their prevention.

What is research used for?

• To assess the risk of lipid disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, etc.

When is the test ordered?

• Cardiovascular diseases (heart attacks, strokes, ischemia, vascular atherosclerosis), dysbetalipoproteinemia, type III and V hyperlipoproteinemia, Alzheimer’s disease or diabetes mellitus in a history of a patient or close relatives.

What do the results mean?

Depending on the genotype, the doctor will be able to predict the risk of developing type 3 hyperlipoproteinemia, increased levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, the development of atherosclerosis and its complications, Alzheimer’s disease.