High LDL, Diet, Symptoms, Dangers, and More

Lipids, also referred to as fats, are one of the three macronutrients that are an essential part of the diet. There are various types of lipids, including steroids, phospholipids, and triglycerides. Triglycerides are a type of lipid that the body can use for both immediate and stored energy.

When you eat a meal, your body uses the nutrients from that meal as energy or fuel. However, if you eat a meal with too much energy (too many calories), this excess energy gets converted into triglycerides. These triglycerides are stored in fat cells for use at a later time.

The most common concern about triglycerides is high triglyceride levels.

High levels of triglycerides in the blood may contribute to atherosclerosis, the clogging and hardening of the arteries. Because of this, high triglyceride levels may increase your risk of heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.

Low triglyceride levels may be a health concern as well. Let’s look at how low triglycerides may affect your health and how to prevent and treat related problems.

The most common blood test used to check your triglyceride levels is called a lipid panel. A standard lipid panel will test for the following:

• total cholesterol
• LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
• HDL (“good”) cholesterol
• triglycerides
• cholesterol/HDL ratio
• non-HDL cholesterol

Your doctor will use a lipid panel to determine if your triglyceride levels are within normal range.

Normal triglyceride levels are

There is no current range for low triglyceride levels. However, if your triglyceride levels are very low, this may indicate an underlying condition or disease.

A healthy diet

We know that an unhealthy diet can cause high triglycerides, while a healthy diet generally leads to low triglycerides.

One interesting note is that sometimes low triglyceride levels can occur with high LDL levels (which often indicate a higher heart disease risk). If low triglyceride levels lower heart disease risk, but high LDL levels increase it, what can cause this inconsistency?

There are two types of LDL particles that should be taken into account when calculating heart disease risk:

• LDL-A particles are larger, less dense, and lower your risk.
• LDL-B particles are smaller, denser, and increase your risk.

When you have low triglyceride levels but high LDL levels, it could indicate that you have a diet filled with healthy fats.

Healthy fats will not only cause an increase in good cholesterol (HDL) but can also change the type of the LDL particles in the blood. Therefore, those high LDL levels may not actually be a bad thing.

Instead, it is more likely that they are LDL particles that have become larger and less dense from the intake of healthy fat. Low triglycerides and high HDL levels in the blood will generally support this idea.

A very low-fat diet

Low-fat diets aren’t necessarily unhealthy. Research has shown that low-fat diets can be an effective way to lose weight. However, anything done on an extreme scale can be dangerous, and very low-fat diets are no exception to the rule.

People on low-fat diets who are consuming very little fat may have lower triglyceride levels. With fat being an essential part of human metabolism, it is important to consume at least some fat — preferably, the healthy kind.

Long-term fasting

Fasting is the abstinence of food and drink, and for some people it’s one of the ways in which they improve their health. Fasting can have many health benefits, from lowering blood sugar and lipid levels to aiding in weight loss.

In a small 2010 study, researchers found that in people who partook in alternate-day fasting (a type of intermittent fasting) over eight weeks, triglyceride levels were lowered by roughly 32 percent.

A longer period of fasting may produce more dramatic results. For those with already normal levels, this could potentially lead to very low triglyceride levels.

Instead of fasting for long periods of time, or fasting every other day, a shorter stint of intermittent fasting may be just as effective, without lowering your levels too much. This could mean fasting for 8 or 16 hours each day, rather than skipping food entirely for 24 hours.

Malnutrition

Malnutrition occurs when the body is not getting enough of, or alternately too much of, certain nutrients. According to the World Health Organization, more than 2.3 billion adults worldwide experience malnutrition in some form.

Undernutrition can lead to deficiencies in important nutrients, including macronutrients such as lipids. Some symptoms of malnutrition include:

• weight loss, fat loss, and muscle mass loss
• hollow cheeks and eyes
• a protruding, or swollen, stomach
• dry and brittle hair, skin, or nails
• emotional symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and irritability

If someone is experiencing severe undernutrition, their triglyceride levels may be well below the normal range. Undernutrition is best treated with increased food intake and, in some cases, supplementation of vitamins and minerals.

Malabsorption

Malabsorption is a condition in which the small intestine is unable to properly absorb the nutrients from food. Causes of malabsorption may include damage to the digestive tract, diseases affecting the digestive tract, or even certain drugs.

For people who experience malabsorption, the body may not be able to properly absorb carbohydrates, proteins, or fats.

There are many symptoms of malabsorption. However, fat malabsorption can lead to a condition called steatorrhea. Steatorrhea is a major indicator that your body isn’t absorbing fats properly. You may notice:

• pale and foul-smelling stools
• stools that are bulkier and float
• grease or fat in your stools
• drops of oil or fat in the water surrounding your stools

People who have trouble absorbing fats may have low triglyceride levels. Treatment for steatorrhea involves addressing underlying conditions that may be causing malabsorption with medication and lifestyle changes.

Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism. In people with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), regular metabolic processes can be greatly affected. Some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• an enlarged thyroid gland, called a goiter
• unintentional weight loss and appetite changes
• alterations in heart rate
• thinning of the skin and hair
• cognitive changes, such as increased anxiety or nervousness

One of the biggest indicators of hyperthyroidism is unintentional weight loss. Generally, this weight loss occurs regardless of food intake.

This means that the body is always using up more energy than that person is consuming. People with hyperthyroidism may have low levels of triglycerides due to the increased use of these triglycerides for fuel.

Blood tests that measure levels of thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone may be used to diagnose hyperthyroidism. It’s generally treated with medication and lifestyle changes.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs

According to a 2015 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly “78.1 million Americans were already taking or are eligible for cholesterol-lowering medication.” Cholesterol medication, or lipid-lowering drugs, are one of the ways in which people can get their cholesterol levels under control.

There are many different types of lipid-lowering medications, including statins, PCSK9 inhibitors, and more. Statins, fibrates, and omega-3 fatty acid ethyl esters are three types of lipid-lowering drugs that are known to lower triglyceride levels.

If you’re concerned that your cholesterol-lowering drugs are causing your triglyceride levels to drop too low, consider speaking with a doctor to switch medications.

Low triglyceride levels are generally not dangerous. In fact, research supports the idea that low triglyceride levels can offer certain health benefits.

In one 2014 study, researchers found that lower non-fasting triglyceride levels were associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality in almost 14,000 study participants.

Another smaller 2017 study found that low triglyceride levels were linked to improved brain function in older adults without dementia.

However, incredibly low triglyceride levels may be linked to other conditions, as mentioned above. Some of these conditions in and of themselves may be dangerous, so it becomes important to treat the underlying condition that’s causing low triglycerides.

The best treatment for low triglycerides is to find and treat the underlying cause. For some conditions, such as malnutrition, it may be as simple as making dietary changes. For other conditions, such as malabsorption and hyperthyroidism, medication and lifestyle changes may be necessary.

If low triglyceride levels are the result of not getting enough fat in the diet, here are some suggestions for healthy dietary practices:

• Total dietary fat intake should be anywhere from 20–35 percent of total calories for the average person not on a low-fat diet.
• Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats should make up the majority of fat consumed in the diet, as these are the most heart healthy.
• Saturated fats and cholesterol should be limited, and artificial trans fats should never be consumed.

Keeping your triglycerides within the normal range is relatively easy with a well-rounded diet. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends the following dietary and lifestyle changes to keep your heart healthy and your triglyceride levels normal:

• Keep your calories within normal range for your age, gender, and activity level.
• Eat a varied diet that includes all the major food groups, especially fruits, vegetables, and heart-healthy oils.
• Avoid overeating foods that contain empty calories, as these can be stored as fat.

If you’re concerned that your triglyceride levels are low for another reason, such as an underlying condition, reach out to your doctor. They can use a lipid test, among other medical tests, to find the root cause of your low triglyceride levels.

High LDL, Diet, Symptoms, Dangers, and More

Lipids, also referred to as fats, are one of the three macronutrients that are an essential part of the diet. There are various types of lipids, including steroids, phospholipids, and triglycerides. Triglycerides are a type of lipid that the body can use for both immediate and stored energy.

When you eat a meal, your body uses the nutrients from that meal as energy or fuel. However, if you eat a meal with too much energy (too many calories), this excess energy gets converted into triglycerides. These triglycerides are stored in fat cells for use at a later time.

The most common concern about triglycerides is high triglyceride levels.

High levels of triglycerides in the blood may contribute to atherosclerosis, the clogging and hardening of the arteries. Because of this, high triglyceride levels may increase your risk of heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.

Low triglyceride levels may be a health concern as well. Let’s look at how low triglycerides may affect your health and how to prevent and treat related problems.

The most common blood test used to check your triglyceride levels is called a lipid panel. A standard lipid panel will test for the following:

• total cholesterol
• LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
• HDL (“good”) cholesterol
• triglycerides
• cholesterol/HDL ratio
• non-HDL cholesterol

Your doctor will use a lipid panel to determine if your triglyceride levels are within normal range.

Normal triglyceride levels are

There is no current range for low triglyceride levels. However, if your triglyceride levels are very low, this may indicate an underlying condition or disease.

A healthy diet

We know that an unhealthy diet can cause high triglycerides, while a healthy diet generally leads to low triglycerides.

One interesting note is that sometimes low triglyceride levels can occur with high LDL levels (which often indicate a higher heart disease risk). If low triglyceride levels lower heart disease risk, but high LDL levels increase it, what can cause this inconsistency?

There are two types of LDL particles that should be taken into account when calculating heart disease risk:

• LDL-A particles are larger, less dense, and lower your risk.
• LDL-B particles are smaller, denser, and increase your risk.

When you have low triglyceride levels but high LDL levels, it could indicate that you have a diet filled with healthy fats.

Healthy fats will not only cause an increase in good cholesterol (HDL) but can also change the type of the LDL particles in the blood. Therefore, those high LDL levels may not actually be a bad thing.

Instead, it is more likely that they are LDL particles that have become larger and less dense from the intake of healthy fat. Low triglycerides and high HDL levels in the blood will generally support this idea.

A very low-fat diet

Low-fat diets aren’t necessarily unhealthy. Research has shown that low-fat diets can be an effective way to lose weight. However, anything done on an extreme scale can be dangerous, and very low-fat diets are no exception to the rule.

People on low-fat diets who are consuming very little fat may have lower triglyceride levels. With fat being an essential part of human metabolism, it is important to consume at least some fat — preferably, the healthy kind.

Long-term fasting

Fasting is the abstinence of food and drink, and for some people it’s one of the ways in which they improve their health. Fasting can have many health benefits, from lowering blood sugar and lipid levels to aiding in weight loss.

In a small 2010 study, researchers found that in people who partook in alternate-day fasting (a type of intermittent fasting) over eight weeks, triglyceride levels were lowered by roughly 32 percent.

A longer period of fasting may produce more dramatic results. For those with already normal levels, this could potentially lead to very low triglyceride levels.

Instead of fasting for long periods of time, or fasting every other day, a shorter stint of intermittent fasting may be just as effective, without lowering your levels too much. This could mean fasting for 8 or 16 hours each day, rather than skipping food entirely for 24 hours.

Malnutrition

Malnutrition occurs when the body is not getting enough of, or alternately too much of, certain nutrients. According to the World Health Organization, more than 2.3 billion adults worldwide experience malnutrition in some form.

Undernutrition can lead to deficiencies in important nutrients, including macronutrients such as lipids. Some symptoms of malnutrition include:

• weight loss, fat loss, and muscle mass loss
• hollow cheeks and eyes
• a protruding, or swollen, stomach
• dry and brittle hair, skin, or nails
• emotional symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and irritability

If someone is experiencing severe undernutrition, their triglyceride levels may be well below the normal range. Undernutrition is best treated with increased food intake and, in some cases, supplementation of vitamins and minerals.

Malabsorption

Malabsorption is a condition in which the small intestine is unable to properly absorb the nutrients from food. Causes of malabsorption may include damage to the digestive tract, diseases affecting the digestive tract, or even certain drugs.

For people who experience malabsorption, the body may not be able to properly absorb carbohydrates, proteins, or fats.

There are many symptoms of malabsorption. However, fat malabsorption can lead to a condition called steatorrhea. Steatorrhea is a major indicator that your body isn’t absorbing fats properly. You may notice:

• pale and foul-smelling stools
• stools that are bulkier and float
• grease or fat in your stools
• drops of oil or fat in the water surrounding your stools

People who have trouble absorbing fats may have low triglyceride levels. Treatment for steatorrhea involves addressing underlying conditions that may be causing malabsorption with medication and lifestyle changes.

Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism. In people with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), regular metabolic processes can be greatly affected. Some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• an enlarged thyroid gland, called a goiter
• unintentional weight loss and appetite changes
• alterations in heart rate
• thinning of the skin and hair
• cognitive changes, such as increased anxiety or nervousness

One of the biggest indicators of hyperthyroidism is unintentional weight loss. Generally, this weight loss occurs regardless of food intake.

This means that the body is always using up more energy than that person is consuming. People with hyperthyroidism may have low levels of triglycerides due to the increased use of these triglycerides for fuel.

Blood tests that measure levels of thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone may be used to diagnose hyperthyroidism. It’s generally treated with medication and lifestyle changes.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs

According to a 2015 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly “78.1 million Americans were already taking or are eligible for cholesterol-lowering medication.” Cholesterol medication, or lipid-lowering drugs, are one of the ways in which people can get their cholesterol levels under control.

There are many different types of lipid-lowering medications, including statins, PCSK9 inhibitors, and more. Statins, fibrates, and omega-3 fatty acid ethyl esters are three types of lipid-lowering drugs that are known to lower triglyceride levels.

If you’re concerned that your cholesterol-lowering drugs are causing your triglyceride levels to drop too low, consider speaking with a doctor to switch medications.

Low triglyceride levels are generally not dangerous. In fact, research supports the idea that low triglyceride levels can offer certain health benefits.

In one 2014 study, researchers found that lower non-fasting triglyceride levels were associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality in almost 14,000 study participants.

Another smaller 2017 study found that low triglyceride levels were linked to improved brain function in older adults without dementia.

However, incredibly low triglyceride levels may be linked to other conditions, as mentioned above. Some of these conditions in and of themselves may be dangerous, so it becomes important to treat the underlying condition that’s causing low triglycerides.

The best treatment for low triglycerides is to find and treat the underlying cause. For some conditions, such as malnutrition, it may be as simple as making dietary changes. For other conditions, such as malabsorption and hyperthyroidism, medication and lifestyle changes may be necessary.

If low triglyceride levels are the result of not getting enough fat in the diet, here are some suggestions for healthy dietary practices:

• Total dietary fat intake should be anywhere from 20–35 percent of total calories for the average person not on a low-fat diet.
• Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats should make up the majority of fat consumed in the diet, as these are the most heart healthy.
• Saturated fats and cholesterol should be limited, and artificial trans fats should never be consumed.

Keeping your triglycerides within the normal range is relatively easy with a well-rounded diet. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends the following dietary and lifestyle changes to keep your heart healthy and your triglyceride levels normal:

• Keep your calories within normal range for your age, gender, and activity level.
• Eat a varied diet that includes all the major food groups, especially fruits, vegetables, and heart-healthy oils.
• Avoid overeating foods that contain empty calories, as these can be stored as fat.

If you’re concerned that your triglyceride levels are low for another reason, such as an underlying condition, reach out to your doctor. They can use a lipid test, among other medical tests, to find the root cause of your low triglyceride levels.

Low cholesterol is associated with a high risk of stroke in women

Lowering low-density cholesterol (LDL) levels reduces the risk of heart attacks and stroke, with an ideal value of less than 100 mg/dL. But can this level be too low? A new study has found that women with LDL levels of 70 mg/dL and below are twice as likely to have a hemorrhagic stroke than women with LDL levels of 100-130 mg/dL. LDL is called “bad” cholesterol because it can lead to fat buildup in the arteries. The study also showed that women with the lowest triglyceride levels had a higher risk of developing hemorrhagic stroke compared to women with elevated triglyceride levels.

Hemorrhagic strokes, also known as hemorrhages, are much less common than ischemic strokes, which block blood flow to the brain. They are much more difficult to treat and, as a result, are much more likely to be fatal.

“Strategies to lower cholesterol and triglycerides, such as diet or statin therapy, are being used to prevent cardiovascular disease,” study author Pamela Rist said. “But our study shows that for women, very low values ​​of these parameters can also be dangerous. Women initially have a higher risk of stroke than men, in part because they live longer, so it is important to identify ways to reduce these risks.”

The study involved 27937 women aged 45 years and older. All of these women were included in the Women’s Health study, in which they measured total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. The researchers then analyzed the records to determine how many women had strokes. On average, over 19 years of observation, scientists identified 137 such women.

Stroke occurred in 9 of 1069 women with cholesterol levels of 70 mg/dL or lower (0.8%), compared with 40 of 10067 with cholesterol levels of 100-130 mg/dL (0.4%). After controlling for other factors that may have affected the development of a stroke (age, smoking, high blood pressure, treatment with cholesterol-lowering drugs), the researchers found that patients with very low LDL levels were 2.2 times more likely to have a bleeding stroke.

Also, 34 of 5714 women (0.6%) with the lowest triglyceride levels had a stroke, compared with 29 of 7989 women (0.4%) with the highest triglyceride levels. After adjusting for other factors that can also increase the risk of stroke, the researchers found that those with the lowest triglyceride levels were twice as likely to bleed.

No difference was found for total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol.

“Women with very low LDL cholesterol or low triglycerides should be further screened for other risk factors for stroke in order to reduce the chance of hemorrhagic stroke,” said Pamela Rist. “Furthermore, more research is needed to determine how to reduce the risk of hemorrhagic stroke in women with very low LDL and low triglyceride levels.”

One of the limitations of this study was that cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured only once, at the start of the study. In addition, a large number of women have already reached menopause at the time of the initial measurement, which makes it impossible to accurately determine whether this fact affects the relationship between cholesterol and triglyceride levels and the development of bleeding.

Expert opinion: Hemorrhagic stroke is an acute violation of cerebral circulation with rupture of blood vessels and hemorrhage in the brain. According to statistics, it is among the top five pathologies ending in death. Despite the fact that this study left more questions than answers, this work can serve as a starting point for a more detailed study.

Lipid profile

Lipid profile is a set of specific blood tests that allows you to determine abnormalities in the body’s fat metabolism, which is of great importance for the diagnosis of atherosclerosis.

When is a lipid profile test ordered?

• – in the diagnosis of atherosclerosis;
• – in ischemic heart disease;
• – after myocardial infarction;
• – in vascular diseases of the brain.

What do lipid profile indicators mean?

1. Cholesterol (total cholesterol) is the main blood lipid that enters the body with food, and is also synthesized by liver cells. The amount of total cholesterol is one of the most important indicators of lipid (fat) metabolism and indirectly reflects the risk of atherosclerosis. Normal cholesterol levels: 3.2-5.6 mmol / l.
2. Low density lipoproteins (LDL) are one of the most atherogenic lipid fractions. LDL is very rich in cholesterol and, transporting it to vascular cells, lingers in them, forming atherosclerotic plaques. Normal LDL values: 1.71-3.5 mmol / l.
3. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the only lipid fraction that prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the vessels (which is why high-density lipoprotein is also called “good” cholesterol). The anti-atherogenic effect of HDL is due to their ability to transport cholesterol to the liver, where it is utilized and excreted from the body. Normal HDL values: > 0.9mmol/l.
4. Triglycerides are neutral fats found in blood plasma. Normal triglyceride levels: 0.41-1.8 mmol / l.
5. Coefficient of atherogenicity (atherogenicity index) is an indicator that characterizes the ratio of atherogenic (“harmful”, settling in the walls of blood vessels) and antiatherogenic fractions of lipids. Normal values ​​of the coefficient of atherogenicity: < 3.5.

How to prepare for the examination?

One day before blood sampling it is necessary to exclude alcohol intake, 1 hour before smoking. It is advisable to take blood on an empty stomach in the morning. There should be at least 12 hours between the last meal and blood sampling. Juice, tea, coffee are not allowed. You can drink water. It is necessary to exclude increased psycho-emotional and physical stress.

After how many days will the test result be ready?

It is recommended to determine your lipid profile starting from the age of 20 once every 5 years.

YOUR LIPID PROFILE: Why is it more important than a bank account

Interest in your lipid profile wakes up only after a heart attack, and even then not for everyone. And it would be necessary 20 years earlier: after all, a heart attack is only the culmination of a long process during which the arteries that feed the heart gradually clog. In the end, the blood flow through them is so reduced that the heart muscle begins to starve catastrophically, and this leads to myocardial infarction.

The first thing to do to prevent this sad scenario from coming true is to do a detailed blood test, which should present a complete lipid profile – the content of different types of fats: “good” and “bad” cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein (a). Each of these indicators speaks for itself, and together they are very important.

CHOLESTEROL: ONE IN TWO FACES

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that the body needs to produce hormones, build cell membranes and nerve fibers.

To carry it from place to place with the bloodstream, the body coats it with proteins, forming lipoprotein particles. Approximately 85% of cholesterol is produced by our liver, and only the remaining 15% must be obtained from food.

The total cholesterol level, which has recently become fashionable to monitor, still does not say anything. The fact is that this indicator consists of two numbers: “good” and “bad” cholesterol.

“Bad” – low density lipoproteins (LDL), they are approximately 65% ​​in our blood. “Good” – high-density lipoproteins (HDL): they are about 20%. Ideally, “good” should be as high as possible, and “bad” as low as possible. In any calculation to determine the risk of a heart attack, “good” cholesterol is used as a divisor. Whether we are talking about total cholesterol or triglycerides – they are all divided by the level of HDL. If the final figure turns out to be too high, this is already a cause for concern.

“Bad” – low density lipoproteins (LDL), they are approximately 65% ​​in our blood. “Good” – high-density lipoproteins (HDL): they are about 20%. Ideally, “good” should be as high as possible, and “bad” as low as possible. In any calculation to determine the risk of a heart attack, “good” cholesterol is used as a divisor. Whether we are talking about total cholesterol or triglycerides – they are all divided by the level of HDL. If the final figure turns out to be too high, this is already a cause for concern.

TRIGLYCERIDES: BLOOD THICKENERS

Elevated triglycerides are a serious risk factor along with obesity, smoking and hypertension. By thickening the blood, they contribute to the formation of blood clots that block the channel of blood vessels. Simply put, the higher the triglyceride level, the greater the chance of a heart attack. This is especially true for women. 75% of heart attacks in women are associated with an increase in triglyceride levels. They are also associated with a high risk of breast cancer. According to the latest data, it is worth starting to worry when the level of triglycerides in the blood on an empty stomach is above 180 mg / dL. High levels of triglycerides are especially dangerous in combination with low levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL cholesterol). In a multi-year study conducted in Münster (Germany), only 4% of the observed had this combination, but they accounted for 25% of all heart attacks.

No parameter has so far been such an accurate warning of imminent danger. If you have high triglyceride levels and low HDL cholesterol, then even an ideal total cholesterol figure does not prevent you from being at risk. If your triglycerides are low and HDL cholesterol is high, then even a total cholesterol of 300 mg/dl is not a health risk. Ideally, the triglycerides/HDL-C ratio should be as close to 1:1 as possible. A ratio of 2:1 can be considered the limit of the norm.

What if the ratio is not in your favor? Simple dietary changes can correct this deficiency. Studies by scientists from around the world confirm that a low-carbohydrate diet, combined with vitamin C and fish oil, helps to reduce triglyceride levels to an acceptable level.

Some blood parameters are good predictors of the future. They need to be constantly monitored and maintained in order to avoid sad surprises.

For the most part, blood lipids can be kept normal without medication – through diet and nutritional supplements. It is worth starting as early as possible, especially if you have had heart attacks and strokes in your family. The precautions recommended in this article will not harm someone whose lipids are normal.

READING THE RESULTS

It’s too early to panic if you have high total cholesterol. First, check with the special tables: the older the person, the higher the standard bar rises. Secondly, it is necessary to evaluate the quantitative composition of cholesterol. If the increase is due to HDL, and LDL and VLDL are within the normal range, this is even good. However, the fall of LDL below the lower limit indicates a failure in the transport system of blood lipids.

You can panic, for example, when the level of LDL is more than 3.37 mmol / l. This indicates a high risk factor for atherosclerosis. A similar conclusion can be drawn – if the ratio of LDL and HDL becomes more than 3: 1. And when the LDL value goes off scale for 4.14 mmol / l, it’s time to run to a cardiologist – a high risk of coronary disease is also added.

In the vast majority of cases, lipid metabolism disorders can be corrected either by diet or special drugs. Even if the “problem” type of cholesterol metabolism is inherited, there are chances to prevent it from developing into atherosclerosis and other troubles. You just need to regularly, at least once a year, take an interest in your lipid profile and consult a doctor who can assess its changes in dynamics.

You can look like this

Or you can attract attention, change your life, control your lipid profile and look like this

QUICK AND SIMPLE

For analysis, blood is taken from a vein, and the procedure for determining the indicators included in the lipid profile takes no more than an hour. Just remember: you need to donate blood strictly on an empty stomach, that is, after the last meal, at least 12 (but not more than 14) hours should pass. You can drink water, but never juice, tea or coffee. And no smoking for at least 2 hours. Otherwise, the results will be far from the truth.

The traditional composition of the “lipid profile”:

• – total cholesterol;
• – high density lipoproteins;
• – low density lipoproteins;
• – triglycerides.

Lipid profile blood test to detect the risk of cardiovascular disease. The answer depends not so much on the level of total cholesterol in the blood, but on its distribution between different classes of lipoproteins.