What are the causes of high cholesterol? Discover the factors that contribute to elevated cholesterol levels, from dietary choices to underlying health conditions. Learn about the risks of high cholesterol and effective strategies for management and prevention.

The Role of Cholesterol in the Body

Cholesterol is an essential substance that serves vital functions in the human body. It is a waxy, fat-like compound that is present in every cell and plays a critical role in the digestion of foods, the production of hormones, and the generation of vitamin D. The body naturally produces cholesterol, but it can also be consumed through the diet, particularly in animal-based foods.

There are two main types of cholesterol:

• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, as it can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), known as “good” cholesterol, as it helps to remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transport it to the liver for disposal.

Causes of High Cholesterol

There are several factors that can contribute to high cholesterol levels, including both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors:

Dietary Factors

The foods we consume play a significant role in cholesterol levels. Diets high in saturated and trans fats, as well as dietary cholesterol from animal-based products, can lead to elevated LDL cholesterol levels.

Lifestyle Factors

Lack of physical activity and being overweight or obese can also contribute to high cholesterol. Excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, is associated with increased LDL and decreased HDL levels.

Genetic Factors

Family history and genetic predisposition can also play a role in cholesterol levels. Individuals with the inherited condition familial hypercholesterolemia have very high LDL levels, even without dietary or lifestyle risk factors.

Medical Conditions

Certain health conditions can also lead to high cholesterol, including diabetes, liver or kidney disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, and hypothyroidism. Additionally, some medications, such as progestins, anabolic steroids, and corticosteroids, can increase LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL cholesterol.

Symptoms and Risks of High Cholesterol

High cholesterol levels often do not produce any noticeable symptoms, making it a silent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, the consequences of elevated cholesterol can be severe, as it contributes to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Cholesterol Screening and Diagnosis

Regular cholesterol screening through blood tests is essential for detecting high cholesterol levels. These tests can measure both LDL and HDL cholesterol, as well as total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. By undergoing routine screening, individuals can identify any issues and take proactive steps to manage their cholesterol levels before serious health problems arise.

Cholesterol Management and Prevention

Fortunately, there are several strategies that can be employed to manage and prevent high cholesterol:

Dietary Modifications

Adopting a diet low in saturated and trans fats, while emphasizing foods that can actively lower cholesterol, such as oats, beans, nuts, and fatty fish, can significantly improve cholesterol levels.

Lifestyle Changes

Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking can also contribute to the management and prevention of high cholesterol.

Medication

In cases where lifestyle changes are not sufficient or cholesterol levels are particularly high, healthcare providers may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins, to help control the condition.

By understanding the causes, risks, and management strategies for high cholesterol, individuals can take proactive steps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce their risk of developing serious cardiovascular problems.

Cholesterol: What causes high cholesterol?

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Cholesterol is an essential substance for the body. Dietary factors and some health conditions can lead to high cholesterol, which is a risk factor for several conditions.

Cholesterol is present in every cell of the body and has important natural functions when it comes to digesting foods, producing hormones, and generating vitamin D. The body produces it, but people also consume it in food. It is waxy and fat-like in appearance.

There are two types of cholesterol:

• low-density lipoproteins (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol
• high-density lipoproteins (HDL), or “good” cholesterol

In this article, we will explain the role of cholesterol. We will also discuss the causes of high cholesterol, and its symptoms, treatment, and prevention.

Fast facts on cholesterol:

• Cholesterol is an essential substance that the body produces but which people also consume in foods.
• Risk factors for high cholesterol include family history and the modifiable lifestyle choices of diet and exercise.
• Having high cholesterol does not usually produce any symptoms.
• If lifestyle changes are unsuccessful or cholesterol levels are very high, a doctor may prescribe a lipid-lowering drug, such as a statin.

Was this helpful?

Cholesterol is an oil-based substance. It does not mix with the blood, which is water-based.

It travels around the body in lipoproteins.

Two types of lipoprotein carry the parcels of cholesterol:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): Cholesterol that travels in this way is unhealthful or “bad” cholesterol.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL): Cholesterol that is present in HDL is known as “good” cholesterol.

Cholesterol has four primary functions, without which we could not survive.

These are:

• contributing to the structure of cell walls
• making up digestive bile acids in the intestine
• allowing the body to produce vitamin D
• enabling the body to make certain hormones

High cholesterol is a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease and a cause of heart attacks.

A build-up of cholesterol is part of the process that narrows arteries, called atherosclerosis. In atherosclerosis, plaques form and cause restriction of blood flow.

Reducing the intake of fat in the diet helps to manage cholesterol levels. In particular, it is helpful to limit foods that contain:

• Cholesterol: This is present in animal foods, meat, and cheese.
• Saturated fat: This occurs in some meats, dairy products, chocolate, baked goods, deep-fried, and processed foods.
• Trans fats: This occurs in some fried and processed foods.

Excess weight or obesity can also lead to higher blood LDL levels. Genetic factors can contribute to high cholesterol. People with the inherited condition familial hypercholesterolemia have very high LDL levels.

Other conditions that can lead to high cholesterol levels, include:

• diabetes
• liver or kidney disease
• polycystic ovary syndrome
• pregnancy and other conditions that increase levels of female hormones
• underactive thyroid gland
• drugs that increase LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL cholesterol, such as progestins, anabolic steroids, and corticosteroids

A person with high cholesterol levels often has no signs or symptoms, but routine screening and regular blood tests can help detect high levels.

A person who does not undergo testing may have a heart attack without warning, because they did not know that they had high cholesterol levels. Regular tests can help to reduce this risk.

A report from Harvard Health has identified 11 cholesterol-lowering foods that actively decrease cholesterol levels:

• oats
• barley and whole grains
• beans
• eggplant and okra
• nuts
• vegetable oil (canola, sunflower)
• fruits (mainly apples, grapes, strawberries, and citrus)
• soy and soy-based foods
• fatty fish (particularly salmon, tuna, and sardines)
• foods rich in fiber

Adding these to a balanced diet can help keep cholesterol in check.

The same report also lists foods that are bad for cholesterol levels. These include:

• red meat
• full-fat dairy
• margarine
• hydrogenated oils
• baked goods

Various low cholesterol recipe books are available to purchase online.

In adults, total cholesterol levels less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) are considered healthy.

• A reading between 200 and 239 mg/dL is borderline high.
• A reading of 240 mg/dL and above is considered high.

LDL cholesterol levels should be less than 100 mg/dL.

• 100–129 mg/dL is acceptable for people with no health problems but may be a concern for anyone with heart disease or heart disease risk factors.
• 130—159 mg/dL is borderline high.
• 160–189 mg/dL is high.
• 190 mg/dL or higher is considered very high.

HDL levels should be kept higher. The optimal reading for HDL levels is of 60 mg/dL or higher.

• A reading of less than 40 mg/dL can be a major risk factor for heart disease.
• A reading from 41 mg/dL to 59 mg/dL is borderline low.

People who wish to reduce their cholesterol levels or maintain a suitable level can make four major lifestyle decisions.

• eat a heart-healthy diet
• regularly exercise
• avoid smoking
• achieve and maintain a healthy weight

These actions will reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attack.

Since 2013, guidelines on reducing or preventing high cholesterol have focused on addressing lifestyle risks, even at a young age.

Since 2018, new guidelines published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology also urged doctors also to discuss with individuals the following factors that may increase a person’s risk:

• family history and ethnicity
• certain health conditions that increase the risk of high cholesterol, such as chronic kidney disease or chronic inflammatory conditions

Taking these factors into consideration will lead to a more personalized approach to the treatment and prevention of high cholesterol levels.

There are a number of ways to treat high cholesterol; these include:

Lipid-lowering therapy

For a person with high cholesterol levels, drug treatment will depend on their cholesterol level and other risk factors.

Recommendatoins usually start with diet and exercise, but people with a higher risk of a heart attack may need to use statins or other medications.

Statins are the leading group of cholesterol-lowering drugs. The statins available on prescription in the United States include:

• atorvastatin (brand named Lipitor)
• fluvastatin (Lescol)
• lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev)
• pravastatin (Pravachol)
• rosuvastatin calcium (Crestor)
• simvastatin (Zocor)

Apart from statins, a doctor may prescribe:

• selective cholesterol absorption inhibitors
• resins
• fibrates
• niacin

In 2017, researchers noted that a new drug, ezetimibe, can significantly reduce the risk of a major cardiovascular event in people with a high risk of such events. Etezimibe reduces lipid levels by limiting the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine.

The authors of the updated also mentioned another new type of drug: pro-protein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors. There is evidence that these drugs are effective at reducing cholesterol levels, especially when a person uses them with ezetimibe.

In 2018, new guidelines recommended a stepped approach, depending on how high an individual’s risk is.

If a person has already had a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack, a doctor may recommend using ezetimibe as well as a statin. For those at very high risk, the guidelines also recommend adding a PCSK9 inhibitor.

However, the guidelines also note that PCSK9 inhibitors are expensive, and insurance companies may not cover their cost. For this reason, this option is likely to be only for those with a very high risk.

Statin safety

The use of statins has caused some debate because, like all drugs, they can have side effects.

These include:

• statin-induced myopathy (a muscle tissue disease)
• fatigue
• a slightly greater risk of diabetes and diabetes complications, though this is hotly debated

A person should not stop taking a statin without speaking to a doctor, as they may increase their risk of cardiovascular problems.

A doctor might recommend:

• switching to a different medication
• increasing efforts to reduce cholesterol through lifestyle changes

In the past, people have aimed to reduce cholesterol to a target level, for instance, below 100 mg/ dL, but this is no longer the case.

Randomized, controlled clinical trials have not produced enough evidence to support treatment to a specific target.

However, some physicians may still use targets to help guide therapy.

10-year risk of a heart attack

Cholesterol levels play a major part in an individual’s risk of having a heart attack within the next 10 years.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute provide an online calculator of cardiovascular risk.

Using research evidence, it weighs the risk according to these factors:

• age
• sex
• cholesterol levels
• smoking status
• blood pressure

Guidelines published in 2018 consider this calculator and essential tool for assessing cholesterol levels and their risk.

Cholesterol: What causes high cholesterol?

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Cholesterol is an essential substance for the body. Dietary factors and some health conditions can lead to high cholesterol, which is a risk factor for several conditions.

Cholesterol is present in every cell of the body and has important natural functions when it comes to digesting foods, producing hormones, and generating vitamin D. The body produces it, but people also consume it in food. It is waxy and fat-like in appearance.

There are two types of cholesterol:

• low-density lipoproteins (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol
• high-density lipoproteins (HDL), or “good” cholesterol

In this article, we will explain the role of cholesterol. We will also discuss the causes of high cholesterol, and its symptoms, treatment, and prevention.

Fast facts on cholesterol:

• Cholesterol is an essential substance that the body produces but which people also consume in foods.
• Risk factors for high cholesterol include family history and the modifiable lifestyle choices of diet and exercise.
• Having high cholesterol does not usually produce any symptoms.
• If lifestyle changes are unsuccessful or cholesterol levels are very high, a doctor may prescribe a lipid-lowering drug, such as a statin.

Was this helpful?

Cholesterol is an oil-based substance. It does not mix with the blood, which is water-based.

It travels around the body in lipoproteins.

Two types of lipoprotein carry the parcels of cholesterol:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): Cholesterol that travels in this way is unhealthful or “bad” cholesterol.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL): Cholesterol that is present in HDL is known as “good” cholesterol.

Cholesterol has four primary functions, without which we could not survive.

These are:

• contributing to the structure of cell walls
• making up digestive bile acids in the intestine
• allowing the body to produce vitamin D
• enabling the body to make certain hormones

High cholesterol is a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease and a cause of heart attacks.

A build-up of cholesterol is part of the process that narrows arteries, called atherosclerosis. In atherosclerosis, plaques form and cause restriction of blood flow.

Reducing the intake of fat in the diet helps to manage cholesterol levels. In particular, it is helpful to limit foods that contain:

• Cholesterol: This is present in animal foods, meat, and cheese.
• Saturated fat: This occurs in some meats, dairy products, chocolate, baked goods, deep-fried, and processed foods.
• Trans fats: This occurs in some fried and processed foods.

Excess weight or obesity can also lead to higher blood LDL levels. Genetic factors can contribute to high cholesterol. People with the inherited condition familial hypercholesterolemia have very high LDL levels.

Other conditions that can lead to high cholesterol levels, include:

• diabetes
• liver or kidney disease
• polycystic ovary syndrome
• pregnancy and other conditions that increase levels of female hormones
• underactive thyroid gland
• drugs that increase LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL cholesterol, such as progestins, anabolic steroids, and corticosteroids

A person with high cholesterol levels often has no signs or symptoms, but routine screening and regular blood tests can help detect high levels.

A person who does not undergo testing may have a heart attack without warning, because they did not know that they had high cholesterol levels. Regular tests can help to reduce this risk.

A report from Harvard Health has identified 11 cholesterol-lowering foods that actively decrease cholesterol levels:

• oats
• barley and whole grains
• beans
• eggplant and okra
• nuts
• vegetable oil (canola, sunflower)
• fruits (mainly apples, grapes, strawberries, and citrus)
• soy and soy-based foods
• fatty fish (particularly salmon, tuna, and sardines)
• foods rich in fiber

Adding these to a balanced diet can help keep cholesterol in check.

The same report also lists foods that are bad for cholesterol levels. These include:

• red meat
• full-fat dairy
• margarine
• hydrogenated oils
• baked goods

Various low cholesterol recipe books are available to purchase online.

In adults, total cholesterol levels less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) are considered healthy.

• A reading between 200 and 239 mg/dL is borderline high.
• A reading of 240 mg/dL and above is considered high.

LDL cholesterol levels should be less than 100 mg/dL.

• 100–129 mg/dL is acceptable for people with no health problems but may be a concern for anyone with heart disease or heart disease risk factors.
• 130—159 mg/dL is borderline high.
• 160–189 mg/dL is high.
• 190 mg/dL or higher is considered very high.

HDL levels should be kept higher. The optimal reading for HDL levels is of 60 mg/dL or higher.

• A reading of less than 40 mg/dL can be a major risk factor for heart disease.
• A reading from 41 mg/dL to 59 mg/dL is borderline low.

People who wish to reduce their cholesterol levels or maintain a suitable level can make four major lifestyle decisions.

• eat a heart-healthy diet
• regularly exercise
• avoid smoking
• achieve and maintain a healthy weight

These actions will reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attack.

Since 2013, guidelines on reducing or preventing high cholesterol have focused on addressing lifestyle risks, even at a young age.

Since 2018, new guidelines published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology also urged doctors also to discuss with individuals the following factors that may increase a person’s risk:

• family history and ethnicity
• certain health conditions that increase the risk of high cholesterol, such as chronic kidney disease or chronic inflammatory conditions

Taking these factors into consideration will lead to a more personalized approach to the treatment and prevention of high cholesterol levels.

There are a number of ways to treat high cholesterol; these include:

Lipid-lowering therapy

For a person with high cholesterol levels, drug treatment will depend on their cholesterol level and other risk factors.

Recommendatoins usually start with diet and exercise, but people with a higher risk of a heart attack may need to use statins or other medications.

Statins are the leading group of cholesterol-lowering drugs. The statins available on prescription in the United States include:

• atorvastatin (brand named Lipitor)
• fluvastatin (Lescol)
• lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev)
• pravastatin (Pravachol)
• rosuvastatin calcium (Crestor)
• simvastatin (Zocor)

Apart from statins, a doctor may prescribe:

• selective cholesterol absorption inhibitors
• resins
• fibrates
• niacin

In 2017, researchers noted that a new drug, ezetimibe, can significantly reduce the risk of a major cardiovascular event in people with a high risk of such events. Etezimibe reduces lipid levels by limiting the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine.

The authors of the updated also mentioned another new type of drug: pro-protein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors. There is evidence that these drugs are effective at reducing cholesterol levels, especially when a person uses them with ezetimibe.

In 2018, new guidelines recommended a stepped approach, depending on how high an individual’s risk is.

If a person has already had a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack, a doctor may recommend using ezetimibe as well as a statin. For those at very high risk, the guidelines also recommend adding a PCSK9 inhibitor.

However, the guidelines also note that PCSK9 inhibitors are expensive, and insurance companies may not cover their cost. For this reason, this option is likely to be only for those with a very high risk.

Statin safety

The use of statins has caused some debate because, like all drugs, they can have side effects.

These include:

• statin-induced myopathy (a muscle tissue disease)
• fatigue
• a slightly greater risk of diabetes and diabetes complications, though this is hotly debated

A person should not stop taking a statin without speaking to a doctor, as they may increase their risk of cardiovascular problems.

A doctor might recommend:

• switching to a different medication
• increasing efforts to reduce cholesterol through lifestyle changes

In the past, people have aimed to reduce cholesterol to a target level, for instance, below 100 mg/ dL, but this is no longer the case.

Randomized, controlled clinical trials have not produced enough evidence to support treatment to a specific target.

However, some physicians may still use targets to help guide therapy.

10-year risk of a heart attack

Cholesterol levels play a major part in an individual’s risk of having a heart attack within the next 10 years.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute provide an online calculator of cardiovascular risk.

Using research evidence, it weighs the risk according to these factors:

• age
• sex
• cholesterol levels
• smoking status
• blood pressure

Guidelines published in 2018 consider this calculator and essential tool for assessing cholesterol levels and their risk.

High cholesterol? How to understand your cholesterol results?

Elevated cholesterol contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease. Problems arise when the cholesterol level exceeds the norm, which is 5.0 mmol / l. To understand whether your cholesterol level poses a risk to your health, it is important to know all the indicators of cholesterol – total cholesterol, “bad cholesterol” low-density cholesterol (LDL), “good cholesterol” or high-density cholesterol (HDL) triglycerides.

If you have high cholesterol, don’t hang your nose. You can lower it by changing your lifestyle and eating habits – 9 Habits for Healthy Cholesterol Levels. If within 3-6 months lifestyle changes do not help to reduce cholesterol levels sufficiently, then synthetic statins, dietary supplements or medications that lower cholesterol levels, will help you. Talk to your doctor about the best way to lower your cholesterol levels.

Total cholesterol

Less than 5 mmol/l	Desirable
5-6. 2 mmol/l
Above 6.2 mmol/L	High

Low-density cholesterol (LDL)

Low-density cholesterol (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol settles on the walls of blood vessels and forms cholesterol plaques that enlarge and narrow arteries over time, impeding or completely blocking the blood supply to the heart, brain and etc. High LDL levels are a major cause of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Less than 1.8 mmol/L	Best for people with cardiovascular disease, diabetes
Less than 1.8 mmol/L	Best for people with cardiovascular disease
2.6-3.3 mmol/l	Almost optimal if there is no cardiovascular disease. High in CVD
3.4-4.1 mmol/l	Cut-off if no CVD. High with cardiovascular disease
4.1-4.9 mmol/l	High if there is no cardiovascular disease. Very high in cardiovascular disease
Above 4. 9 mmol/l	Very high

HDL cholesterol

HD cholesterol HDL) or “good” cholesterol does not allow ” “bad” cholesterol is deposited on the walls of blood vessels, attracts “bad” cholesterol and heavy triglycerides and takes them to the liver for processing. Helps prevent heart disease.

If, on the background of elevated total cholesterol, the amount of “good” cholesterol is reduced, and the amount of “bad” cholesterol is increased, then the risk of cardiovascular diseases is even more pronounced.

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Triglycerides

Elevated blood levels of these dangerous fats can cause heart disease and diabetes. After eating, the body converts excess calories that it does not need into triglycerides, which accumulate in fat cells. There are several causes of high triglyceride levels – being overweight, too many sweets, drinking too much alcohol, smoking, being sedentary, or having diabetes.

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We recommend monitoring changes in test results over several years. If you notice that any of the indicators is constantly decreasing or increasing, approaching the normal limits, consult a doctor in a timely manner or get an explanation of the test results without leaving your home.

Photo: Adobe

Cholesterol. About norms and interpretation of results

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol (in foreign literature, the term cholesterol is used) is an organic compound (organic polycyclic alcohol) that is produced in the human body and can be ingested with food, tk. found in animal products. In the body, cholesterol is produced in the liver, intestines, kidneys, adrenal glands, and gonads. Participates in the formation of cell membranes (cell walls), as well as in the synthesis of steroid hormones, such as cortisol, aldosterone, sex hormones: estrogen, progesterone, testosterone; bile acids.

Alcohol and heart disease. Risk and benefit.

Alcohol and cardiovascular disease. Alcohol and ishem…

The figure shows the cholesterol in the cell membrane (in the cell wall)

So. Cholesterol can be thought of as a building material used in the life of the body.

Chemical formula of cholesterol

Only 20% of cholesterol comes from food, 80% is synthesized in the body itself.

And this is the answer to one of the most common questions: I don’t eat fat (alternatively, I’m a vegetarian or vegan), but I have high cholesterol.

Aspirin and cardiovascular disease.

Information for patients.

How and why to use aspirin in heart disease, how …

Cholesterol molecule model

Types of cholesterol

When we talk about cholesterol, we should know that there are the following types:

• Total cholesterol (OH, total cholesterol)
• High density lipoproteins (HDL, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, HDL cholesterol)
• Low density lipoproteins (LDL, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL cholesterol)
• Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol)

LDL is also known as bad cholesterol

HDL, respectively, good cholesterol

Mentioning cholesterol, one cannot but mention triglycerides. Triglycerides are lipids, not cholesterol.

In a conversation with a doctor and in the literature, one can come across an indicator that we will conditionally call “not_good cholesterol” (as opposed to bad), in the English literature (Non-HDL cholesterol or NON-NSAID cholesterol).

Not_good cholesterol = total cholesterol (OH) – good cholesterol (HDL)

Cholesterol norms

The norm of cholesterol (the normal content of cholesterol in the blood) is different from most norms for the content of anything in the body.

Usually, the average statistical indicator of the content of a substance in the body of healthy people is taken as the norm. But cholesterol is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and therefore, when we talk about the norm of cholesterol in the blood, we are talking about a cholesterol level at which the risk of cardiovascular disease or events (such as myocardial infarction, stroke, etc.) will be minimal.

The graph shows the relationship between plasma cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular events.

Coronary angiography in questions and answers. Information for patients

What is coronary angiography (CAG, coronary angiography)? K…

Another important aspect is how doctors interpret blood cholesterol levels. The level of cholesterol in the blood is used in various models to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease and outcome as one of the factors. Other factors that influence physician decisions are

• floor
• age
• arterial hypertension
• diabetes mellitus
• other cardiovascular diseases
• family history (whether the next of kin had cardiovascular disease at an early age)
• smoking

Thus, having information only on the level of cholesterol, it is far from always possible to assess whether it is normal or high; except that with very high rates, one or another recommendation can be made without additional information, but even in this case this recommendation will not be complete.

So, the level of total cholesterol, at which the risk of cardiovascular diseases and events in a healthy person without additional risk factors will be minimal, is

• 5. 17 mmol/liter and below.
• The level of total cholesterol in the range from 5.17 to 6.18 mmol/l is high
• A total cholesterol level above 6.18 mmol/L is very high.

Again, cholesterol levels are for healthy people with no additional risk factors.

The graph shows the frequency of cardiovascular diseases depending on the number of risk factors

Norms of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL)

absence of cardiovascular disease.

Thus, in order to interpret the results of the lipid profile, in addition to the level of bad cholesterol itself, it is necessary to correlate the patient with the appropriate target group, and only this will allow us to assess whether the cholesterol level for this particular person is normal or not.

Norms of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL)

In risk models, the so-called. good cholesterol (HDL). The following standards have been adopted for it

Yes, as the name suggests, good cholesterol, the higher the better. An important remark should be made here: today there is convincing evidence that by lowering bad cholesterol, we get an obvious benefit – we reduce the risk of cardiovascular outcomes and even prolong life. But the need to increase good cholesterol in isolation does not have the same convincing evidence.

Triglyceride Value

Let’s briefly talk about very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). The upper limit of normal for them is 0.77 mmol / l.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The above standards are based on the recommendations of the American professional societies. The norms adopted in Europe and, for example, in Canada may differ, but these differences are insignificant

How to take a cholesterol test

The key question: should I take a test for cholesterol in the blood on an empty stomach or not? The answer to this question depends on what kind of lipid profile your doctor recommended to examine. Recall that a complete lipid profile consists of:

Sex and heart disease

Sex is an integral part of our lives, significantly affecting …

• total cholesterol
• HDL
• LDL
• VLDL
• Triglycerides

If you are advised to test only your total cholesterol and/or HDL levels, you can also test after meals. Otherwise, it is recommended to take tests after 8-12 hours of fasting.

It should be known that total cholesterol, HDL and triglyceride levels are most commonly measured directly. The rest of the figures are calculated.

If you know your total cholesterol, HDL and triglyceride levels, you can use our calculator to calculate your total lipid profile.

Screening for hypercholesterolemia

The age of screening for high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) is still controversial. The most common recommendation is to start screening at age 25-30 for men. The following associated risk factors are taken into account:

Statins. Medicines to lower cholesterol.

Everything you wanted to know about statins, but didn’t know where to ask…

• hypertension
• diabetes mellitus
• smoking
• obesity
• sedentary lifestyle
• family history of premature coronary artery disease (CHD; male relative with CAD under 55; female relative with CAD under 65)

The more risk factors, the earlier we start screening. For women, the age to start screening for high cholesterol is 30 to 45 years.

Evaluation of blood cholesterol test results

In evaluating lipid profile results, a doctor’s consultation is necessary. This is due to the fact that cholesterol is only one of the risk factors for atherosclerotic heart disease. The doctor must assess all risk factors and understand which risk group for atherosclerotic heart disease you belong to. Depending on this result, you will be able to receive recommendations for further actions

Here are some examples (models) of people with different levels of risk of cardiovascular diseases and events (from minimal to maximal risk, age and gender are not taken into account):

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Minimal risks:

• Total cholesterol less than 4. 7 mmol/l
• No arterial hypertension. Blood pressure 120/80 mm Hg. and below
• Non-smoker
• No diabetes

Non-optimal risk factors:

• Total cholesterol 4.8 to 5.1 mmol/l
• Systolic blood pressure from 120 to 139 mm Hg. and/or diastolic blood pressure of 80 to 89 mm Hg.
• Non-smoker
• No diabetes

Increased risk factors

• Total cholesterol 5.2 to 6.1 mmol/l
• Systolic blood pressure 140 to 159 mmHg. and / or diastolic blood pressure from 90 to 99 mm Hg.
• Non-smoker
• No diabetes

High risk

• Total cholesterol over 6.2 mmol/l
• Systolic pressure ≥160 mm Hg. and/or diastolic pressure ≥100 mm Hg.
• Smokes
• has diabetes mellitus

Physicians have several models for assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease.