What is a cholesterol test. How does it measure different types of cholesterol. Why is monitoring cholesterol levels important for heart health. What do cholesterol test results mean. How can you prepare for a cholesterol test. What are the risk factors for high cholesterol.

What is a Cholesterol Test and Why is it Important?

A cholesterol test, also known as a lipid profile or lipid panel, is a blood test that measures the amount of cholesterol and certain fats in your blood. This test provides crucial information about your risk of developing heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in every cell of your body. While your liver produces all the cholesterol your body needs, you can also obtain it from foods, especially meat, eggs, poultry, and dairy products. Foods high in dietary fat can also stimulate your liver to produce more cholesterol.

Types of Cholesterol Measured in the Test

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) – “bad” cholesterol
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) – “good” cholesterol
• Total cholesterol
• Triglycerides
• Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) – not always included in routine tests

Why is monitoring cholesterol levels important? High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaque in your arteries, increasing your risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. By identifying high cholesterol levels early, you can take steps to lower them and potentially reduce your risk of developing heart problems in the future.

Understanding the Different Types of Cholesterol

To fully grasp the importance of cholesterol testing, it’s crucial to understand the different types of cholesterol and their roles in your body.

LDL Cholesterol: The “Bad” Cholesterol

LDL cholesterol is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol because high levels can lead to the formation of plaque in your arteries. How does LDL cholesterol affect your health? When LDL levels are too high, it can accumulate in the walls of your blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis – a condition where arteries become narrowed and hardened. This increases your risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

HDL Cholesterol: The “Good” Cholesterol

HDL cholesterol is considered “good” cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream. What makes HDL cholesterol beneficial? HDL acts like a scavenger, picking up excess cholesterol from your tissues and arteries and transporting it back to your liver for disposal. Higher levels of HDL are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

Triglycerides: Another Important Fat

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. Why are triglyceride levels important? High levels of triglycerides, especially when combined with high LDL cholesterol or low HDL cholesterol, can increase your risk of heart disease. Some studies suggest that high triglyceride levels may be particularly problematic for women.

How is a Cholesterol Test Performed?

A cholesterol test is a relatively simple and quick procedure. Here’s what you can expect during the test:

1. A healthcare professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle.
2. A small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial.
3. You may feel a slight sting when the needle goes in or out.
4. The entire process usually takes less than five minutes.

Are there any risks associated with a cholesterol test? The risks are minimal. You may experience slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was inserted, but these symptoms typically resolve quickly.

At-Home Cholesterol Testing

In addition to laboratory tests, at-home cholesterol testing kits are available. These kits typically involve pricking your finger to collect a drop of blood for testing. If you choose to use an at-home kit, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and inform your healthcare provider if your total cholesterol level is higher than 200 mg/dL.

Preparing for Your Cholesterol Test

Proper preparation is key to ensuring accurate results from your cholesterol test. What steps should you take before the test?

• You may need to fast for 9 to 12 hours before the test. This means no eating or drinking, except for water.
• Cholesterol tests are often scheduled in the morning to accommodate the fasting requirement.
• Your healthcare provider will inform you if you need to fast and provide any other specific instructions.

Why is fasting important for a cholesterol test? Fasting helps ensure that recent food intake doesn’t affect your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, providing a more accurate baseline measurement.

Interpreting Your Cholesterol Test Results

Understanding your cholesterol test results is crucial for assessing your heart health and determining if any lifestyle changes or treatments are necessary. Cholesterol levels are typically measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood.

LDL Cholesterol Levels

• Optimal: Less than 100 mg/dL
• Near optimal/above optimal: 100-129 mg/dL
• Borderline high: 130-159 mg/dL
• High: 160-189 mg/dL
• Very high: 190 mg/dL and above

How is LDL cholesterol calculated? Your test results may show a “calculated” LDL level, which is an estimate based on your total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides. Alternatively, LDL can be measured directly from your blood sample. In either case, a lower LDL number is desirable for heart health.

HDL Cholesterol Levels

• Low: Less than 40 mg/dL for men, less than 50 mg/dL for women
• Optimal: 60 mg/dL and above

Why is a higher HDL level considered better? Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of heart disease because HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream.

Total Cholesterol Levels

• Desirable: Less than 200 mg/dL
• Borderline high: 200-239 mg/dL
• High: 240 mg/dL and above

What does your total cholesterol level indicate? While total cholesterol provides an overall picture of your cholesterol status, it’s important to consider the individual levels of LDL and HDL for a more comprehensive understanding of your heart health risk.

Triglyceride Levels

• Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL
• Borderline high: 150-199 mg/dL
• High: 200-499 mg/dL
• Very high: 500 mg/dL and above

How do triglyceride levels impact your health? High triglyceride levels, particularly when combined with high LDL or low HDL levels, can increase your risk of heart disease and may indicate other health issues such as metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes.

Risk Factors for High Cholesterol

Understanding the risk factors for high cholesterol can help you take proactive steps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. What factors can contribute to high cholesterol?

• Family history of heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Smoking
• Excess weight or obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• Diet high in saturated fat
• Age (risk increases as you get older)

How do these factors affect your cholesterol levels? Many of these risk factors can directly impact your body’s cholesterol production or metabolism. For example, a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet can lead to weight gain and increased LDL cholesterol production, while smoking can lower your HDL cholesterol levels.

Managing Your Cholesterol Levels

If your cholesterol test results indicate high levels, particularly high LDL cholesterol, there are several steps you can take to improve your lipid profile and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Lifestyle Changes

• Adopt a heart-healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats
• Increase your intake of fiber-rich foods
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol consumption

How can these lifestyle changes impact your cholesterol levels? A healthy diet and regular exercise can help lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol. Weight loss can also significantly improve your lipid profile, while quitting smoking can boost your HDL levels.

Medication

In some cases, lifestyle changes alone may not be sufficient to manage high cholesterol levels. Your healthcare provider may recommend medication to help lower your cholesterol. What are some common cholesterol-lowering medications?

• Statins: These drugs block a substance your liver needs to make cholesterol.
• Bile acid sequestrants: These medications help remove cholesterol from the bloodstream.
• Cholesterol absorption inhibitors: These drugs reduce the amount of cholesterol your small intestine absorbs.
• PCSK9 inhibitors: These newer medications help the liver remove more LDL cholesterol from the blood.

How do these medications work to lower cholesterol? Each type of medication targets a different aspect of cholesterol metabolism or transport in the body. Your healthcare provider will consider your overall health, risk factors, and cholesterol levels to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

The Importance of Regular Cholesterol Monitoring

Regular cholesterol testing is an essential part of maintaining your cardiovascular health. How often should you have your cholesterol checked?

• Adults aged 20 and older with average risk: Every 4-6 years
• Men aged 45-65 and women aged 55-65: More frequently, as recommended by your healthcare provider
• Adults with cardiovascular disease risk factors: More frequently, as determined by your healthcare provider
• Children and adolescents: At least once between ages 9-11, and again between ages 17-21

Why is regular monitoring important? Regular cholesterol testing allows you and your healthcare provider to track changes in your lipid profile over time, assess the effectiveness of any treatments or lifestyle changes, and make adjustments as needed to maintain optimal heart health.

By understanding your cholesterol levels and taking appropriate action, you can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. Remember, high cholesterol often has no symptoms, so regular testing is crucial for early detection and prevention of heart-related issues.

Cholesterol Levels: MedlinePlus Medical Test

What is a Cholesterol Test?

A cholesterol test is a blood test that measures the amount of cholesterol and certain fats in your blood. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that’s found in your blood and every cell of your body. You need some cholesterol to keep your cells and organs healthy.

Your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs. But you can also get cholesterol from the foods you eat, especially meat, eggs, poultry, and dairy products. Foods that are high in dietary fat can also make your liver produce more cholesterol.

There are two main types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol.

Too much LDL cholesterol in your blood increases your risk for coronary artery disease and other heart diseases. High LDL levels can cause the buildup of a sticky substance called plaque in your arteries. Over time, plaque can narrow your arteries or fully block them. When this happens, parts of your body don’t get enough blood:

• If the blood flow to the heart is blocked, it can cause a heart attack.
• If the blood flow to the brain is blocked, it can cause a stroke.
• If the blood flow to the arms or legs is blocked, it can cause peripheral artery disease.

Other names for a cholesterol test: Lipid profile, Lipid panel

What is it used for?

A cholesterol test gives you and your health care provider important information about your risk of developing heart disease. If your test shows you have high cholesterol, you can take steps to lower it. This may decrease your risk of developing heart problems in the future. A cholesterol test measures:

• LDL levels. Also known as the “bad” cholesterol, LDL is the main source of blockages in the arteries.
• HDL levels. Considered the “good” cholesterol, HDL helps get rid of “bad” LDL cholesterol.
• Total cholesterol. The combined amount of LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol in your blood.
• Triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. Some studies show that high levels of triglycerides may increase the risk of heart disease, especially in women.
• VLDL levels. Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) is another type of “bad” cholesterol. High VLDL levels have been linked to plaque buildup in the arteries. VLDL isn’t usually included in routine cholesterol tests because it’s difficult to measure. About half of VLDL is triglycerides, so your VLDL level can be estimated as a percentage of your triglyceride level.

Why do I need a cholesterol test?

Your provider may order a cholesterol test as part of a routine exam. You may also have a cholesterol test if you have a family history of heart disease or if your risk for heart problems is high because of:

• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Smoking
• Excess weight or obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• A diet high in saturated fat

Your age may also be a factor, because your risk for heart disease increases as you get older.

What happens during a cholesterol test?

A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

You may be able to use an at-home kit to check your cholesterol levels. Your kit will include a device to prick your finger to collect a drop of blood for testing. Be sure to follow the kit instructions carefully. Also, be sure to tell your provider if your at-home test shows that your total cholesterol level is higher than 200 mg/dl.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

You may need to fast (not eat or drink) for 9 to 12 hours before your blood cholesterol test. That’s why the tests are often done in the morning. Your provider will let you know if you need to fast and if there are any other special instructions.

Are there any risks to the test?

There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may experience slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.

What do the results mean?

Cholesterol is usually measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. The information below will help you understand what your test results mean. In general, low LDL levels and high HDL cholesterol levels are good for heart health.

The LDL listed on your results may say “calculated.” This means that your LDL level is an estimate based on your total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides. Your LDL level may also be measured “directly” from your blood sample. Either way, you want your LDL number to be low.

A healthy cholesterol level for you may depend on your age, family history, lifestyle, and other risk factors for heart disease, such as high triglyceride levels. Your provider can explain what’s right for you.

Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.

Is there anything else I need to know about my cholesterol levels?

High cholesterol can lead to heart disease, the number one cause of death in the United States. You can’t change some risk factors for high cholesterol, such as age and your genes. But there are actions you can take to lower your LDL levels and reduce your risk, including:

• Eating a healthy diet. Reducing or avoiding foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol can help reduce the cholesterol levels in your blood.
• Losing weight. Being overweight can increase your cholesterol and risk for heart disease.
• Staying active. Regular exercise may help lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and raise your HDL (good) cholesterol levels. It may also help you lose weight.

Talk to your provider before making any major change in your diet or exercise routine.

References

1. American Heart Association [Internet]. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association Inc.; c2022. About Cholesterol; [last reviewed 2020 Nov 6; cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/About-Cholesterol_UCM_001220_Article.jsp
2. American Heart Association [Internet]. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association Inc.; c2022. HDL (Good), LDL (Bad) Cholesterol and Triglycerides; [last reviewed 2020 Nov 6; cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/Good-vs-Bad-Cholesterol_UCM_305561_Article.jsp
3. American Heart Association [Internet]. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association Inc.; c2022. How To Get Your Cholesterol Tested; [last reviewed: 2020 Nov 9; cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/how-to-get-your-cholesterol-tested
4. American Heart Association [Internet]. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association Inc.; c2022. Prevention and Treatment of High Cholesterol; [last reviewed 2020 Nov 11; cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 7 screens]. Available from: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/PreventionTreatmentofHighCholesterol/Prevention-and-Treatment-of-High-Cholesterol_UCM_001215_Article.jsp
5. American Heart Association [Internet]. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association Inc.; c2022. What Your Cholesterol Levels Mean; [last reviewed 2020 Nov 6; cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/What-Your-Cholesterol-Levels-Mean_UCM_305562_Article.jsp
6. FDA: US Food and Drug Administration [Internet]. Silver Spring (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Cholesterol; [current as of 2018 Feb 4; cited 2019 Jan 25]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/home-use-tests/cholesterol
7. Healthfinder.gov. [Internet]. Washington D.C.: Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; National Health Information Center; Get Your Cholesterol Checked; [updated 2021 Oct 7; cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 7 screens]. Available from: https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/topics/doctor-visits/screening-tests/get-your-cholesterol-checked
8. Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2022. Cholesterol Test [cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cholesterol-test/about/pac-20384601
9. Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2022. High Cholesterol [cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/symptoms-causes/syc-20350800
10. Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2022.VLDL cholesterol: Is it harmful? [cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: http://www. mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/expert-answers/vldl-cholesterol/faq-20058275
11. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; High Blood Cholesterol: What You Need to Know; 2001 May [revised 2005 Jun; cited 2017 Jan 26]; [about 6 screens]. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/all-publications-and-resources/high-blood-cholesterol-what-you-need-know
12. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Blood Cholesterol: Diagnosis [cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 20 screens]. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/blood-cholesterol
13. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Blood Cholesterol: Overview [cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/blood-cholesterol
14. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Blood Tests: What Are the Risks of Blood Tests? [cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 5 screens]. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/blood-tests
15. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Blood Tests: What To Expect with Blood Tests; [cited 2017 Jan 25]; [about 1 screens]. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/blood-tests
16. Quest Diagnostics [Internet].Quest Diagnostics; c2000-2022. Test Summary: LDL Cholesterol; [reviewed 2020 Dec; cited 2021 Dec 20]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://testdirectory.questdiagnostics.com/test/test-guides/TS_LDL_Cholesterol/ldl-cholesterol?p=td

Cholesterol Tests: Understand Your Results

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Why Do I Need a Cholesterol Test?
• What Does a Cholesterol Test Measure?
• What Do Cholesterol Test Numbers Mean?
• How Do I Prepare for My Cholesterol Test?
• How Will My Doctor Use Results From My Cholesterol Test?
• How Often Should I Have A Cholesterol Test?
• More

Your health care provider may send you for cholesterol tests, either as a part of a standard check-up or because they suspect you may be at risk for developing heart disease. But do you know what the cholesterol test results actually mean? Read on to learn how to interpret the numbers.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance. Your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs. But you take in more cholesterol from certain foods, such as those from animals. If you have too much cholesterol in your body, it can build up in the walls of your arteries (as “plaque”) and eventually harden. This process, called atherosclerosis, actually narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood to travel through the vessels. 

Unfortunately, high cholesterol doesn’t cause symptoms. In later stages of atherosclerosis, though, you may suffer angina — severe chest pain from lack of blood flow to the heart. If an artery gets totally blocked, a heart attack results. A routine blood cholesterol test is a far better way of finding out what your cholesterol level is.

In addition to measuring the total cholesterol in your blood, the standard cholesterol test (called a “lipid panel”) measures three specific kinds of fat:

• Low-density lipoproteins (LDL). This is the “bad cholesterol,” the main cause of plaque build-up, which increases your risk for heart disease. In general, the lower the number, the better. But LDL cholesterol is only one part of a larger equation that measures a person’s overall risk of having a heart attack or stroke. For years, guidelines focused on specific target numbers for individuals to achieve to lower their risk. The most recent guidelines focus on a person’s overall risk and, based on that risk, recommend a certain percentage of LDL reduction as one part of a strategy for preventing serious heart and vascular problems.
• High-density lipoproteins (HDL). This is the “good cholesterol.” It transports bad cholesterol from the blood to the liver, where it is excreted by the body. Your HDL is another part of the equation that identifies the risk of a cardiovascular event. In general, the higher the number the better, although, as with LDL, the emphasis has shifted from specific target numbers to strategies for reducing the overall risk.
• Triglycerides. Another type of fat in the bloodstream, triglycerides are also linked to heart disease. They are stored in fat cells throughout the body.

If you have a lipoprotein profile, it’s important to look at all the numbers from the cholesterol test, not just the total cholesterol number. That’s because LDL and HDL levels are two primary indicators of potential heart disease. Use the information below to interpret your results (with the help of your doctor, of course). This will help you get a better idea about your risk for heart disease.

Total blood cholesterol level:

• High risk: 240 mg/dL and above
• Borderline high risk: 200-239 mg/dL
• Desirable: Less than 200 mg/dL

LDL cholesterol levels:

190 mg/dL and above represents a high risk for heart disease and is a strong indicator that the individual can benefit from intensive treatment, including lifestyle changes, diet, and statin therapy for reducing that risk.

For LDL levels that are equal to or less than 189 mg/dL, the guidelines recommend strategies for lowering LDL by 30% to 50% depending on what other risk factors you have that can affect the health of your heart and blood vessels.

HDL cholesterol:

• High risk: Less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women

Triglycerides:

• Very high risk: 500 mg/dL and above
• High risk: 200-499 mg/dL
• Borderline high risk: 150-199 mg/dL
• Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL

If your doctor recommends a “non-fasting” cholesterol test, the lab will look only at your total cholesterol (and sometimes your HDL) numbers. For that test, you merely need to show up at the lab and have some blood drawn. If your doctor suggests a “fasting” cholesterol test (also called a “lipid profile”), the lab will analyze your levels of LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. For that test, you will need to fast nine to 12 hours before the blood test.

Sometimes a doctor will ask you to do a non-fasting cholesterol test first. Depending on the results, they may then send you back for the more complete lipid profile.

After reviewing your blood test, The doctor will also consider other risk factors you might have for heart disease, including:

• Your family history
• Age
• Weight
• Race
• Gender
• Diet
• Blood pressure and whether or not you’re being treated for high blood pressure
• Activity level
• Smoking status
• History of diabetes
• Evidence of elevated blood sugars

Then, your doctor will talk with you about your level of risk and the potential benefit to be derived by taking steps that include changes in your level of activity and diet as well as using medication to improve your cholesterol levels in order to reduce your overall risk.

The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends adults age 20 years or older have a cholesterol test every five years. People who are at risk for heart attack or heart disease or who have a family history of either should be checked more often.

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what it is, what is the norm, why it rises and how to lower it

Cholesterol is a lipophilic alcohol that is formed in the liver and is contained in the membrane of all body cells. By itself, cholesterol is not harmful – it is needed for the synthesis of sex hormones and adrenal hormones, and it is also involved in metabolism.

What is “good” and “bad” cholesterol

Lipoproteins, molecules consisting of fat and protein, are responsible for transporting cholesterol through orgasm. They are divided into two types:

High density – “good” cholesterol . It is transported from the cells of the body to the liver, where it is successfully broken down. It is believed that such cholesterol prevents cardiovascular disease.

Low density – “bad” cholesterol . Such lipoproteins, on the contrary, carry cholesterol from the liver to other body systems. If it becomes too much, then it is deposited on the walls of blood vessels and forms plaques.

What is the acceptable cholesterol level

Why cholesterol rises

• excessive consumption of foods with a high concentration of saturated fats – red meat, sausages, cheeses, flour products (biscuits and waffles), cream and others;
• sedentary lifestyle, sedentary work, lack of sufficient physical activity;
• overweight and obesity, often provoked by the factors described above;
• smoking, excessive and persistent alcohol consumption.
• heredity, endocrine diseases, liver diseases.

Why you need to lower your cholesterol

You need to lower your cholesterol to prevent diseases that can be caused by its overabundance. These diseases include:0003

• atherosclerosis, in which the openings of the arteries are narrowed or blocked;
• coronary heart disease;
• myocardial infarction – the death of the heart muscle, provoked by the fact that a coronary artery clot blocked the access of blood and oxygen;
• angina – insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle with discomfort or pain in the chest;
• strokes caused by the death of brain cells due to blockage of blood vessels by a thrombus and interruption of oxygen supply.

How to lower cholesterol with proper nutrition

If cholesterol has increased due to improper nutrition, it is enough to adjust the diet so that the indicators return to normal. To do this, avoid foods high in saturated fat, which were discussed above. They need to be replaced with food that activates the production of good cholesterol and cleanses the blood vessels.

Such foods include:

• fresh vegetables and fruits;
• whole grain;
• bread, pasta from coarse wheat varieties;
• eggs;
• seafood;
• green and herbal teas;
• olive oil

How to lower cholesterol through lifestyle changes

If you have high cholesterol due to an unhealthy lifestyle, it is important to lose weight. It is advisable to stop smoking and alcohol or reduce its consumption. It is important to balance the regime of work and rest: sleep at least 8 hours a day, exercise. To maintain health, morning exercises, light jogging, regular cycling or walking are enough.

How to lower cholesterol with medication

If the patient follows the recommendations above, but cholesterol does not decrease, the doctor prescribes medication. It includes:

Statins . Substances block the liver enzyme that produces cholesterol. After taking them, new portions of cholesterol do not enter the blood, and the already accumulated is gradually excreted.

Niacin . Vitamin B blocks the release of fats from fiber into the blood and suppresses the production of cholesterol in the liver. Due to this, its level in the vessels decreases.

Bile acid sequestrants . They bind bile acids in the liver and remove them. Bile acids are produced during the metabolism of cholesterol and fats, and when they are removed from the body, cholesterol decreases.

All medicines have contraindications. Self-selection and administration of drugs can have negative health consequences. Before use, consult a cardiologist.

The doctors of the Medicenter clinics network will prescribe a biochemical blood test to determine the level of cholesterol. Patients with elevated levels will receive individual recommendations on how to lower cholesterol, taking into account lifestyle, predisposition and health status.

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Which foods lower cholesterol?

Contents:

Cholesterol scared us for a long time. Now it became clear that this organic compound from the cell membrane is very important for the normal functioning of the body. Cholesterol is involved in the synthesis of vitamin D and hormones, helps maintain cell integrity, produce bile acids, and protects blood cells. But only in normal amounts. Elevated cholesterol can lead to serious cardiovascular diseases.

What is cholesterol?

Why reduce cholesterol?

The norm of cholesterol in the blood is different for each person, depending on age, gender and other factors. At the same time, the body usually restores the lack of cholesterol on its own. But excess cholesterol needs to be corrected mainly with the help of nutrition, lifestyle and cholesterol-lowering drugs.

Cholesterol reduction involves a whole range of actions aimed
at creating a healthy lifestyle. The European Society of Cardiology for the normalization of cholesterol levels recommends:

• Stop bad habits
• Be active Walk, run or do other physical activity more often 30 to 60 minutes a day
• Watch your weight : recommended body mass index – 20 -25 kg/m3, waist up to 94 cm for men and up to 80 cm for women
• Switch to healthy diet or follow a cholesterol-lowering diet
• Several times a year take prophylactic drugs to maintain normal cholesterol

Foods that lower blood cholesterol

General recommendations of doctors

• Eat 200-400 g of fresh non-starchy vegetables and fruits daily
• Increase the amount of fiber in the diet
• Enter fish and seafood in the diet, up to three times a week
• Reduce the consumption of smoked meats and sweets
• Eat sour-milk products daily

Prohibited products

• Fatty meats (lamb, pork)
• Sausages and smoked meats
• Offal
• Whole milk and fatty dairy products (butter, cream, cheeses) 900 82
• White bread and bakery products
• Egg yolk
• Prepared sauces, especially mayonnaise
• Sweets (ice cream, chocolate)

Permitted foods

• Cereals
• Lean fish and meat
• Skimmed milk and sour milk products
• Cottage cheese
• Vegetable oils
• Light sweets (sorbets, fruit purees)

What should you add to your diet?

Healthy fats – Omega 3

Their use has a positive effect on the work of the heart and blood vessels. Their main source is seafood and fatty varieties of sea fish.

• mackerel
• herring 9ready It is better to eat fish steamed or grilled and completely avoid frying in oil, especially deep-fried.

  Fiber

  Another useful component
  that stabilizes the work of the gastrointestinal tract and the proper production of cholesterol. By itself, fiber is considered the ballast of food products, but it perfectly cleans the intestinal walls and prevents the absorption of cholesterol. 9

• oatmeal

• barley
• green 9 0010

• barley
• green

• buckwheat
• 9 0009 vegetables

Stone fruits

Rich in polyfinols, which help normalize vascular tone and cholesterol levels

• cherry
• apricot

• peaches
• plums

• cherries 90 010

Nuts

Considered one of the best sources of vegetable fat and can replace fatty meat. However, it should be remembered that nuts are very high in calories, it is better to eat them in the morning and not more than 30 g per day. The best cholesterol normalizers are:

• walnuts
• almonds

• hazelnuts
• pistachios

• pecans
• peanuts

• pine nuts

Legumes

but also vegetable cholesterol. They also reduce the absorption of cholesterol and act as antioxidants.

• soy
• red rice

• beans
• chickpeas

Vegetable fats

which the level of “bad” cholesterol will naturally decrease. It should be remembered that any fats are very high in calories, so it is better to use oils as dressings for dishes. Small amounts will be helpful.

• vegetable oils: sunflower, olive, linseed

• avocado

Probiotics

Beneficial effect on the human body, intestinal microflora
and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Helps reduce the absorption of excess cholesterol. Contained in large quantities in fermented milk products:

• kefir
• fermented baked milk

• curdled milk

90 091

Additional source of probiotics, as well as an excellent prevention of high cholesterol can be the Italian complex Lactoflorene® Cholesterol. It is enough to take one sachet of Lactoflorene® Cholesterol per day for 6-8 weeks to maintain normal cholesterol levels. Key Ingredients:

Red Rice Fermented Reduces Liver Cholesterol

Bifidobacteria Bifidobacterium longum BB536® block cholesterol absorption and normalize intestinal microflora

Vitamin PP
helps normalize cholesterol levels

Coenzyme Q10 is involved in the normalization of impaired cholesterol biosynthesis

with a friend before using the product .