What are the key differences between HDL and LDL cholesterol. How do cholesterol ranges impact cardiovascular health. What is the significance of cholesterol ratios in assessing heart disease risk. How can you improve your cholesterol levels naturally.

The Fundamental Differences Between HDL and LDL Cholesterol

Cholesterol plays a crucial role in our body’s functions, but not all cholesterol is created equal. Understanding the distinction between HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) and LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health.

LDL cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, has earned its negative reputation due to its tendency to accumulate in the walls of blood vessels. This accumulation can lead to narrowing and stiffening of the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. As a result, blood flow becomes restricted, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

On the other hand, HDL cholesterol is considered “good” cholesterol because it performs a vital function in cholesterol management. HDL acts like a scavenger, collecting excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transporting it to the liver for disposal. This process helps reduce the overall cholesterol levels in the blood, thereby lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Optimal Cholesterol Ranges: What Numbers Should You Aim For?

Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is crucial for cardiovascular health. But what exactly are the target ranges? In the United States, cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Here are the generally recommended guidelines:

• Total cholesterol: Below 200 mg/dL
• LDL cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL
• HDL cholesterol: Above 40 mg/dL for men and above 50 mg/dL for women

It’s important to note that these guidelines may vary slightly depending on your geographical location and individual health factors. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice on your cholesterol levels.

The Total Cholesterol to HDL Ratio: A Key Indicator of Heart Disease Risk

While individual cholesterol levels are important, the relationship between total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol provides valuable insights into cardiovascular health. This relationship is expressed as the total cholesterol to HDL ratio.

To calculate this ratio, simply divide your total cholesterol by your HDL cholesterol level. For example, if your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL and your HDL is 50 mg/dL, your ratio would be 4:1.

What is considered a healthy ratio? A desirable ratio is 5:1 or lower, with an optimal ratio being 3.5:1. The lower this number, the healthier your cholesterol profile is considered to be.

Why is this ratio significant? Studies suggest that the total cholesterol to HDL ratio may be a better predictor of heart disease risk than LDL cholesterol levels alone. This ratio provides a more comprehensive picture of your overall cholesterol health.

Non-HDL Cholesterol: A Comprehensive Measure of Cardiovascular Risk

In recent years, healthcare professionals have begun to recognize the value of non-HDL cholesterol as an additional measure of cardiovascular risk. Non-HDL cholesterol is calculated by subtracting HDL cholesterol from total cholesterol.

This measurement is considered beneficial because it includes very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels in its calculation. Like LDL, VLDL can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.

What is a healthy non-HDL cholesterol level? Ideally, your non-HDL cholesterol should be less than 130 mg/dL. Higher levels may indicate an increased risk of heart disease.

Factors Contributing to High LDL Cholesterol Levels

Understanding the causes of high LDL cholesterol is crucial for managing your cardiovascular health. Several factors can contribute to elevated LDL levels:

1. Diet high in saturated fats
2. Lack of physical activity
3. Obesity
4. Certain medical conditions (e.g., type 2 diabetes, underactive thyroid)
5. Menopause in women
6. Genetic factors (e.g., familial hypercholesterolemia)

Recognizing these risk factors can help you take proactive steps to manage your cholesterol levels effectively.

Lifestyle Modifications to Lower LDL Cholesterol

Reducing LDL cholesterol levels doesn’t always require medication. Often, lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on your cholesterol profile. Here are some effective strategies:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Quit smoking
• Follow statin therapy if prescribed by your doctor
• Limit intake of saturated and trans fats

Is diet an effective tool for managing cholesterol? Absolutely. Your food choices can significantly influence your cholesterol levels. Foods high in saturated fats, such as beef, lamb, full-fat dairy products, and certain tropical oils, can increase LDL cholesterol. On the other hand, foods rich in soluble fiber, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help lower total blood cholesterol levels.

Dietary Strategies for Optimal Cholesterol Management

Implementing specific dietary changes can help manage your cholesterol levels effectively. Consider these strategies:

1. Switch Fat Sources

Replace saturated fats with healthier alternatives. Opt for nut and seed oils or monounsaturated fats from sources like olive oil, avocados, and canola oil.

2. Increase Fiber Intake

A diet high in fiber, particularly soluble fiber, can help lower total blood cholesterol levels. Good sources include fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.

3. Choose Lean Proteins

Select lean protein sources such as fish, poultry without skin, and plant-based proteins like legumes and tofu.

4. Incorporate Heart-Healthy Foods

Include foods known to support heart health, such as fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, nuts, seeds, and plant sterols or stanols.

Can specific foods actively lower cholesterol? Yes, certain foods have been shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties. These include oats, barley, beans, eggplant, okra, nuts, vegetable oils, apples, grapes, strawberries, and citrus fruits.

The Role of Exercise in Cholesterol Management

Physical activity plays a crucial role in managing cholesterol levels. Regular exercise can help increase HDL cholesterol while reducing LDL and triglyceride levels. But how much exercise is needed to see these benefits?

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week. This can include activities such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling, or jogging.

How does exercise impact cholesterol levels? Physical activity helps stimulate enzymes that move LDL from the blood to the liver, where it’s converted to bile for digestion or excreted. Exercise also increases the size of protein particles that carry cholesterol through the blood, reducing the risk that small particles will clog arteries.

Understanding Cholesterol Testing and Monitoring

Regular cholesterol testing is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health. But how often should you get your cholesterol checked?

For adults with no risk factors for heart disease, cholesterol screening is typically recommended every 4-6 years. However, if you have risk factors such as diabetes, heart disease, or a family history of high cholesterol, more frequent testing may be necessary.

What does a cholesterol test involve? A complete cholesterol test, also called a lipid panel or lipid profile, typically measures:

• Total cholesterol
• LDL cholesterol
• HDL cholesterol
• Triglycerides

It’s important to note that cholesterol levels can fluctuate, so your doctor may recommend multiple tests over time to get an accurate picture of your cholesterol health.

Medications for Cholesterol Management

While lifestyle changes are the first line of defense against high cholesterol, sometimes medication is necessary. Various types of cholesterol-lowering drugs are available, including:

1. Statins: These are the most commonly prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications. They work by blocking a substance your liver needs to make cholesterol.
2. Bile acid sequestrants: These drugs work in the intestine to help remove cholesterol from the body.
3. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors: These medications reduce the amount of cholesterol absorbed from food and bile in your intestines.
4. PCSK9 inhibitors: These newer injectable medications help the liver absorb more LDL cholesterol, which lowers the amount circulating in your blood.

How effective are cholesterol-lowering medications? Statins, the most widely used cholesterol-lowering drugs, can lower LDL cholesterol by 20% to 55%, depending on the specific medication and dosage.

The Link Between Cholesterol and Other Health Conditions

High cholesterol doesn’t exist in isolation. It’s often associated with other health conditions that can compound cardiovascular risk. Understanding these connections is crucial for comprehensive health management.

Cholesterol and Diabetes

Diabetes can affect the balance between HDL and LDL cholesterol. People with diabetes often have lower HDL levels and higher levels of triglycerides and LDL. This combination increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Cholesterol and Hypertension

High blood pressure and high cholesterol often go hand in hand. Both conditions damage artery walls, increasing the risk of heart disease. Managing both simultaneously is crucial for heart health.

Cholesterol and Obesity

Excess weight can lead to higher LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol. Losing weight can help improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of related health problems.

How does managing these conditions impact cholesterol levels? Effectively controlling conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity can have a positive impact on cholesterol levels. For instance, losing just 5-10% of body weight can significantly improve cholesterol profiles in overweight individuals.

Emerging Research in Cholesterol Management

The field of cholesterol research is continually evolving, with new discoveries shaping our understanding of cardiovascular health. Some exciting areas of current research include:

1. Personalized Medicine

Researchers are exploring how genetic factors influence individual responses to cholesterol-lowering treatments, paving the way for more personalized approaches to cholesterol management.

2. Novel Drug Therapies

New classes of cholesterol-lowering drugs are in development, including those targeting specific proteins involved in cholesterol metabolism.

3. Gut Microbiome and Cholesterol

Studies are investigating the role of gut bacteria in cholesterol metabolism, potentially leading to probiotic-based therapies for managing cholesterol levels.

4. Inflammation and Cholesterol

Research is uncovering the complex relationship between inflammation and cholesterol, leading to new strategies for reducing cardiovascular risk.

What potential breakthroughs might we see in cholesterol management? While it’s difficult to predict specific breakthroughs, ongoing research suggests we may see more targeted, personalized approaches to cholesterol management in the future, potentially including gene therapies, microbiome-based treatments, and novel drug combinations.

Cholesterol Management Across the Lifespan

Cholesterol management is a lifelong journey, with different considerations at various stages of life. Understanding these age-related factors can help you maintain optimal cholesterol levels throughout your lifetime.

Childhood and Adolescence

While cholesterol issues are often associated with adults, they can begin in childhood. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends cholesterol screening for all children between ages 9 and 11, and again between ages 17 and 21.

Young Adulthood

For many, this is a crucial time to establish healthy habits that can influence cholesterol levels for years to come. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking are key.

Middle Age

As metabolism slows and hormonal changes occur, managing cholesterol can become more challenging. Regular check-ups and lifestyle adjustments may be necessary.

Older Adulthood

While statin use is common in older adults, it’s important to balance the benefits of cholesterol management with potential side effects and interactions with other medications.

How do cholesterol management strategies differ across age groups? While the basic principles of cholesterol management remain consistent across the lifespan, the specific approaches may vary. For instance, lifestyle modifications might be emphasized more in younger individuals, while medication may play a larger role in older adults with established cardiovascular risk factors.

The Global Impact of Cholesterol-Related Diseases

Cholesterol-related cardiovascular diseases have a significant impact on global health and economics. Understanding this broader context can highlight the importance of individual and public health efforts in cholesterol management.

Cardiovascular Disease Burden

According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year.

Economic Impact

The economic burden of cardiovascular diseases is substantial, including direct healthcare costs and indirect costs due to lost productivity.

Global Disparities

Access to cholesterol testing and treatment varies widely across the globe, with significant disparities between high-income and low- and middle-income countries.

Public Health Initiatives

Many countries have implemented public health initiatives aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk factors, including programs to promote healthy diets and physical activity.

How can global efforts impact individual cholesterol management? Global initiatives can influence individual cholesterol management through policy changes (e.g., trans fat bans), public education campaigns, and improved access to healthcare services. These efforts can create environments that support healthier choices, making it easier for individuals to manage their cholesterol levels effectively.

HDL vs. LDL cholesterol: Differences, ranges, and ratios

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol, collects in the walls of the blood vessels, causing them to narrow. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol, moves LDL cholesterol out of the bloodstream.

The two main types of cholesterol are high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. Some cholesterol is needed in the body, but high levels can be dangerous.

Along with smoking and high blood pressure, raised blood cholesterol is one of the main risk factors for heart disease. People can reduce their blood cholesterol with a healthful diet, exercise, and medication.

In this article, we look at HDL and LDL in detail, including what makes one good and the other bad, as well as what a person can do to keep levels in check.

LDL cholesterol is often called bad cholesterol. If there is too much LDL cholesterol in the blood, it builds up in the walls of the blood vessels, causing them to narrow and stiffen.

A buildup of LDL cholesterol reduces blood flow and can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

HDL or good cholesterol can move LDL cholesterol from the blood to the liver, which breaks it down for disposal as waste. HDL cholesterol is referred to as good cholesterol because it reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood.

Higher HDL levels are linked to a reduced risk of heart attack and heart disease.

In the United States, cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). The guidelines for healthy cholesterol levels are as follows:

• total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL
• LDL cholesterol less than 100 mg/dL
• HDL cholesterol above 40 mg/dL for men and above 50 mg/dL for women

Different regions and countries may have varying guidelines, so it is wise to speak to a doctor about the most accurate and up-to-date ranges.

The total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio is way to calculate cardiovascular risk. A high total cholesterol to HDL ratio indicates a higher risk for heart disease. It can be measured by dividing the total cholesterol by the HDL level.

A desirable ratio is 5:1, and an optimal ratio is 3.5:1. The lower this number is, the healthier a person’s cholesterol levels are.

Total cholesterol does fluctuate, so more than one blood test might be required for an accurate assessment. Levels can change following a meal, so sometimes a blood test will be taken first thing in the morning before a person has breakfast.

Studies suggest that the total cholesterol to HDL ratio is a better marker of the risk of heart disease than LDL cholesterol levels alone.

Non-HDL cholesterol

Another method of assessing cholesterol levels is calculating a non-HDL cholesterol level. This is measured by subtracting HDL cholesterol from the total cholesterol.

This method is considered to be more accurate by some doctors because it includes very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels in the calculation.

Similarly to LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol can also build up inside the walls of blood vessels, which is undesirable.

Ideally, a non-HDL cholesterol level should be less than 130 mg/dL. A higher value than that increases the risk for heart disease.

Causes of high LDL cholesterol include:

• Eating a diet high in saturated fat: Diets high in saturated fats can increase LDL cholesterol levels.
• Inactivity: Not getting enough exercise can lead to weight gain, which is linked to increased cholesterol levels.
• Obesity: People who are overweight have an increased risk of high cholesterol levels.
• Medical conditions: Some of these that can affect LDL cholesterol levels include type 2 diabetes, underactive thyroid, liver conditions, and alcohol addiction.
• Menopause: For some women, cholesterol levels can rise after menopause.
• Genetics: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited form of high cholesterol that puts people at risk of early heart disease.

The following lifestyle changes can help lower LDL cholesterol and help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease:

• maintaining a healthy weight
• exercising regularly
• quitting smoking
• using statin therapy when prescribed

People trying to lower their LDL cholesterol should also avoid eating saturated and trans fats. (Note: trans fats have been banned in the United states since 2018.) Foods high in saturated fat include:

• beef
• lamb
• pork
• poultry, especially with skin
• beef fat (tallow)
• lard and cream
• butter
• cheese
• ice cream
• coconut
• palm oil
• palm kernel oil
• some baked and fried foods

Other diet tips to prevent LDL levels creeping up include:

• Switch fat sources: Swap saturated fats for nut and seed oils or monounsaturated fats from olive, avocado, and canola oil.
• Increase fiber intake: A diet high in fiber is believed to be good for total blood cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber found in fruits, vegetables, and oats is particularly beneficial.

A variety of things can improve HDL cholesterol levels, including:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids can lower blood cholesterol when consumed as part of a balanced diet. The highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids are in oily fish, such as mackerel, trout, herring, sardines, fresh tuna, salmon, and halibut. The American Heart Association recommends eating 2 servings of fish (particularly fatty fish) per week.
• Regular exercise: Research shows that exercise and physical activity can raise HDL levels.

High LDL cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease, but it can often occur without any symptoms.

It is recommended that people over 40 years of age arrange a blood test to check their cholesterol levels and total cholesterol to HDL ratio.

Dietary and lifestyle changes can make a big difference to HDL and LDL levels. If they do not improve with these changes, a doctor may recommend medications.

HDL vs. LDL cholesterol: Differences, ranges, and ratios

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol, collects in the walls of the blood vessels, causing them to narrow. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol, moves LDL cholesterol out of the bloodstream.

The two main types of cholesterol are high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. Some cholesterol is needed in the body, but high levels can be dangerous.

Along with smoking and high blood pressure, raised blood cholesterol is one of the main risk factors for heart disease. People can reduce their blood cholesterol with a healthful diet, exercise, and medication.

In this article, we look at HDL and LDL in detail, including what makes one good and the other bad, as well as what a person can do to keep levels in check.

LDL cholesterol is often called bad cholesterol. If there is too much LDL cholesterol in the blood, it builds up in the walls of the blood vessels, causing them to narrow and stiffen.

A buildup of LDL cholesterol reduces blood flow and can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

HDL or good cholesterol can move LDL cholesterol from the blood to the liver, which breaks it down for disposal as waste. HDL cholesterol is referred to as good cholesterol because it reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood.

Higher HDL levels are linked to a reduced risk of heart attack and heart disease.

In the United States, cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). The guidelines for healthy cholesterol levels are as follows:

• total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL
• LDL cholesterol less than 100 mg/dL
• HDL cholesterol above 40 mg/dL for men and above 50 mg/dL for women

Different regions and countries may have varying guidelines, so it is wise to speak to a doctor about the most accurate and up-to-date ranges.

The total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio is way to calculate cardiovascular risk. A high total cholesterol to HDL ratio indicates a higher risk for heart disease. It can be measured by dividing the total cholesterol by the HDL level.

A desirable ratio is 5:1, and an optimal ratio is 3.5:1. The lower this number is, the healthier a person’s cholesterol levels are.

Total cholesterol does fluctuate, so more than one blood test might be required for an accurate assessment. Levels can change following a meal, so sometimes a blood test will be taken first thing in the morning before a person has breakfast.

Studies suggest that the total cholesterol to HDL ratio is a better marker of the risk of heart disease than LDL cholesterol levels alone.

Non-HDL cholesterol

Another method of assessing cholesterol levels is calculating a non-HDL cholesterol level. This is measured by subtracting HDL cholesterol from the total cholesterol.

This method is considered to be more accurate by some doctors because it includes very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels in the calculation.

Similarly to LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol can also build up inside the walls of blood vessels, which is undesirable.

Ideally, a non-HDL cholesterol level should be less than 130 mg/dL. A higher value than that increases the risk for heart disease.

Causes of high LDL cholesterol include:

• Eating a diet high in saturated fat: Diets high in saturated fats can increase LDL cholesterol levels.
• Inactivity: Not getting enough exercise can lead to weight gain, which is linked to increased cholesterol levels.
• Obesity: People who are overweight have an increased risk of high cholesterol levels.
• Medical conditions: Some of these that can affect LDL cholesterol levels include type 2 diabetes, underactive thyroid, liver conditions, and alcohol addiction.
• Menopause: For some women, cholesterol levels can rise after menopause.
• Genetics: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited form of high cholesterol that puts people at risk of early heart disease.

The following lifestyle changes can help lower LDL cholesterol and help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease:

• maintaining a healthy weight
• exercising regularly
• quitting smoking
• using statin therapy when prescribed

People trying to lower their LDL cholesterol should also avoid eating saturated and trans fats. (Note: trans fats have been banned in the United states since 2018.) Foods high in saturated fat include:

• beef
• lamb
• pork
• poultry, especially with skin
• beef fat (tallow)
• lard and cream
• butter
• cheese
• ice cream
• coconut
• palm oil
• palm kernel oil
• some baked and fried foods

Other diet tips to prevent LDL levels creeping up include:

• Switch fat sources: Swap saturated fats for nut and seed oils or monounsaturated fats from olive, avocado, and canola oil.
• Increase fiber intake: A diet high in fiber is believed to be good for total blood cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber found in fruits, vegetables, and oats is particularly beneficial.

A variety of things can improve HDL cholesterol levels, including:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids can lower blood cholesterol when consumed as part of a balanced diet. The highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids are in oily fish, such as mackerel, trout, herring, sardines, fresh tuna, salmon, and halibut. The American Heart Association recommends eating 2 servings of fish (particularly fatty fish) per week.
• Regular exercise: Research shows that exercise and physical activity can raise HDL levels.

High LDL cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease, but it can often occur without any symptoms.

It is recommended that people over 40 years of age arrange a blood test to check their cholesterol levels and total cholesterol to HDL ratio.

Dietary and lifestyle changes can make a big difference to HDL and LDL levels. If they do not improve with these changes, a doctor may recommend medications.

Cholesterol: good or bad | Philips

There is an established belief in our society that cholesterol is unequivocally bad. Advertisers contributed to the spread of this myth among the masses. Remember the commercial for sunflower oil, in which the mother-in-law fries something using butter, and the daughter-in-law laments because of her choice. Then the mother-in-law throws in her hearts: “Everyone has become smart! You won’t please!” That oil was sold with a message – without cholesterol, implying benefits for the body. But is cholesterol as bad as it is painted?

Cholesterol, or cholesterol (because it is an aromatic alcohol) was the main substance of atherosclerotic plaque, but not the only one. The cholesterol theory became the dominant theory of the development of atherosclerosis for a long time. Doctors and scientists perceived atherosclerosis (the formation of plaques in the lumen of the vessel) as a simple deposition of it on the walls of the arteries. A lot of cholesterol – a lot of deposits, little cholesterol – few deposits. However, very soon data began to accumulate that contradicted the cholesterol theory. Some people with high blood cholesterol did not have atherosclerotic plaques at all, while others with low cholesterol died from cardiovascular accidents at a young age.

The fact is that cholesterol is not an independent substance in our body. It is insoluble in water, and in order to travel through the blood, it binds to certain proteins, forming protein-fat complexes called lipoproteins. Let’s consider two main types of lipoproteins: low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL).

The protein in the composition of these complexes determines the properties that these particles will have. In HDL, one type of protein determines the property of the particle to take cholesterol from cholesterol deposits in the walls of blood vessels and send it to the liver for processing. And in LDL, it packs cholesterol in such a way that these loose molecules easily attach to the walls of arteries (especially to the walls of damaged ones) and form a plaque.

Cholesterol does not itself cause atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is manifested due to the ratio of HDL and LDL in human blood. If the balance is shifted towards HDL, then plaques will not form and vice versa.

Cholesterol comes from animal foods. But its total blood level does not depend much on the amount of cholesterol received from food. For example, the Indian subcontinent (India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan) has the highest levels of blood cholesterol, although there is the highest percentage of vegetarians (all plant products do not contain cholesterol).

HDL and LDL levels depend primarily on your genetics. However, lifestyle, proper nutrition and regular physical activity change the ratio of LDL / HDL in the right direction. There is no need to limit foods containing cholesterol. Simply, it so happened that many cholesterol-containing products change the ratio of lipipiroteids in a bad way. For example, excessive consumption of red meat. However, excessive consumption of sweets (often containing no cholesterol at all) can increase the production of LDL.

Some doctors do not recommend taking statins on the grounds that if cholesterol is not to blame, then it is not necessary to lower its level. But according to the latest data, you need to lower your LDL levels, which is what statins do. In addition, statins have an independent pleiotropic effect. They reduce inflammation in the vascular wall, which is now considered the main cause of vascular accidents (strokes, heart attacks, sudden death, etc.).

In general, be smart and don’t believe unverified myths. Do not be afraid of cholesterol in food, follow the recommendations on proper nutrition and physical activity, monitor your weight, regularly check the level of HDL and LDL in the blood, monitor the condition of the heart and blood vessels and be healthy.

147.0 KB

HDL (high density lipoprotein) – good cholesterol

1. increase unsaturated fatty acids (olive oil, fish oil, linseed oil, nuts) 10,000 steps daily, swimming, jogging, cardio, dancing, etc. at least 300 minutes per week in total)
2. increase small doses of alcohol
3. increase fiber (fruits, vegetables and whole grain wheat products)

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) – Bad cholesterol

1. increase foods high in saturated fats (red meat, sausages, hard cheeses, lard, flour confectionery, cakes, biscuits and cream)
2. increases sedentary image
3. increases excess weight (especially belly fat deposits)
4. increases hydrogenated vegetable fats (trans fats) (margarine, fast food)

Cholesterol is not bad | KGBUZ “City Hospital No. 5, Barnaul”

People with extremely high levels of “good” cholesterol are significantly more at risk of premature death than those whose level is within the normal range. Recall that cholesterol is “bad” (it is also called low-density lipoprotein, LDL) and “good” (high-density lipoprotein, HDL). LDL settles on the walls of blood vessels, forming plaques that slow down blood circulation and lead to a decrease in the elasticity of blood vessels and their blockage. HDL, on the contrary, removes atheromatous plaques and helps transport them to the liver, where they are oxidized to bile acids that are excreted in the bile.

“Doctors are accustomed to congratulating patients with very high levels of “good” cholesterol in the blood. But we should no longer be doing this, as the new study shows an association between high HDL levels and mortality,” said Børge G. Nordestgaard, professor in the Department of Clinical Medicine at Copenhagen University, who led the study.

The researchers based their study on data provided by the Copenhagen Center for Population Research and the Danish Civil Registry. As a result, more than ten thousand deaths of people over the past six years were analyzed.

A lot of good is also bad

By calculating the mortality rate, the researchers found that men with extremely high HDL levels have a 106% higher mortality rate than men with normal levels of the substance in the blood. In women, an excess of HDL increased the risk of premature death by 68%. As it turned out, not only high HDL levels are dangerous: its extremely low level is also associated with serious health risks and early mortality.

The most optimal HDL level is medium. People with this level have the maximum life expectancy. For men, the average HDL level is considered to be 1.9mmol / l, for women – 2.4 mmol / l.

Norms of cholesterol in the blood

According to generally accepted data, different types of cholesterol should be in the following range:

· total cholesterol — no more than 5 mmol/l;

“poor” – not more than 3 mmol/l;

“good” – not less than 1.5 mmol/L.

The formation and increase in the level of cholesterol in the blood is caused by the activity of the liver and the walls of the small intestine, which produce approximately 80% of the required amount of cholesterol. The remaining 20% ​​must come from food. The body naturally lowers cholesterol every day by oxidizing about 0.45 grams of it in the liver to bile acids. Approximately the same amount is lost with faeces. Up to 0.1 gram goes with sebum, another part of cholesterol is spent on the production of hormones and vitamin D. In a healthy body, metabolic processes are balanced and do not cause an increase in cholesterol levels in the blood or inside the cell, regardless of the diet: when eating fatty foods in large quantities, the production of one’s own cholesterol stops until a balance is established.

Why you need “bad” cholesterol

It may seem that “bad” cholesterol is not needed at all, but in fact it is not. Even “bad” cholesterol is vital for the human body, and it is impossible to exclude foods containing it from the diet. It is an essential structural component in all animal cell membranes and is essential for maintaining the structural integrity and fluidity of membranes. In addition, “bad” cholesterol protects nerve fibers, helps to establish a balance in digestion, and also has a positive effect on the state of the immune system of the human body. LDL is also involved in the production of the hormones testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.

Low cholesterol can also lead to complications during pregnancy. For example, it has been found that at least 5% of pregnant women with low cholesterol have preterm birth.

So why is he “bad” if he is so important? A high level of LDL in the blood leads to the development of atherosclerosis, which provokes heart attacks, kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, erectile dysfunction, Alzheimer’s disease.

Risk groups

There are certain groups of people who are most susceptible to developing atherosclerosis. An unhealthy ratio of “bad” and “good” cholesterol negatively affects the state of the body, especially with significant deviations from the norm. More often than others, people with high weight suffer from an imbalance of HDL and LDL. Men over 40 and postmenopausal women are also at risk. The growth of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels also provokes

sedentary lifestyle, smoking, fatty diet, alcohol abuse.