What are the main causes of high cholesterol. How can you recognize the symptoms of high cholesterol. What are the most effective treatments for managing high cholesterol levels. How does cholesterol impact overall health and well-being. What lifestyle changes can help lower cholesterol naturally. Are there specific foods that can help reduce cholesterol levels. When should you consider medication for high cholesterol.

The Basics of Cholesterol: Good vs. Bad

Cholesterol is a vital substance produced by the body and consumed through food. It plays essential roles in various bodily functions, including cell structure, hormone production, and vitamin D synthesis. However, not all cholesterol is created equal. There are two main types:

• Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) – often referred to as “bad” cholesterol
• High-density lipoproteins (HDL) – known as “good” cholesterol

Understanding the difference between these types is crucial for maintaining optimal health. LDL cholesterol can accumulate in arteries, leading to plaque formation and increasing the risk of heart disease. On the other hand, HDL cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, transporting it to the liver for disposal.

Factors Contributing to High Cholesterol Levels

Elevated cholesterol levels can result from various factors, both within and beyond our control. Identifying these factors is essential for effective management and prevention. What are the primary contributors to high cholesterol?

Dietary Choices

The foods we consume play a significant role in cholesterol levels. Diets high in saturated and trans fats can increase LDL cholesterol. Common culprits include:

• Red meat and full-fat dairy products
• Processed and fried foods
• Baked goods containing hydrogenated oils

Genetic Factors

Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to high cholesterol. Familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited condition, can cause extremely high LDL levels. If you have a family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease, you may be at increased risk.

Lifestyle Choices

Certain lifestyle factors can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels:

• Lack of physical activity
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Obesity or being overweight

Medical Conditions

Several health conditions can impact cholesterol levels:

• Diabetes
• Liver or kidney disease
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Hypothyroidism

Recognizing the Silent Threat: Symptoms of High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is often referred to as a “silent killer” because it typically doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms. This lack of warning signs makes regular screening crucial. How can you detect high cholesterol if there are no apparent symptoms?

The most reliable method for identifying high cholesterol is through routine blood tests. These tests, known as lipid panels, measure various types of fats in the blood, including:

• Total cholesterol
• LDL cholesterol
• HDL cholesterol
• Triglycerides

Healthcare providers recommend regular cholesterol screenings for adults, with frequency depending on age, risk factors, and overall health. Early detection allows for timely intervention and management, potentially preventing serious cardiovascular complications.

Cholesterol-Lowering Foods: Nature’s Remedy

While medication may be necessary for some individuals with high cholesterol, dietary changes can significantly impact cholesterol levels. What foods can help lower cholesterol naturally?

Oats and Whole Grains

Oats and other whole grains are rich in soluble fiber, which can help reduce LDL cholesterol. Incorporating these foods into your diet can be as simple as enjoying a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast or choosing whole-grain bread for sandwiches.

Fatty Fish

Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines, can help increase HDL cholesterol and reduce inflammation. Aim to include fatty fish in your diet at least twice a week.

Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are excellent sources of healthy fats and fiber. These nutrients can help lower LDL cholesterol and provide additional heart-healthy benefits.

Fruits and Vegetables

Apples, grapes, strawberries, and citrus fruits contain pectin, a type of soluble fiber that can lower cholesterol. Vegetables like eggplant and okra are also beneficial for cholesterol management.

Legumes

Beans, lentils, and other legumes are rich in fiber and protein. They can help lower cholesterol levels while providing essential nutrients and promoting feelings of fullness.

Lifestyle Modifications for Cholesterol Management

In addition to dietary changes, several lifestyle modifications can help manage cholesterol levels effectively. What are some key strategies for lowering cholesterol through lifestyle changes?

Regular Physical Activity

Engaging in regular exercise can help increase HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week.

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly impact cholesterol levels. Even modest weight loss can lead to improvements in lipid profiles. Focus on a balanced diet and regular physical activity to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Smoking Cessation

Quitting smoking can lead to rapid improvements in HDL cholesterol levels. Smoking not only lowers HDL cholesterol but also damages blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can negatively impact cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine.

Medical Interventions for High Cholesterol

When lifestyle changes alone are insufficient to manage cholesterol levels, medical interventions may be necessary. What are the primary treatment options for high cholesterol?

Statins

Statins are the most commonly prescribed medications for high cholesterol. They work by blocking a substance needed to produce cholesterol in the liver. Statins can significantly lower LDL cholesterol and may also help raise HDL cholesterol.

Bile Acid Sequestrants

These medications work in the intestines, binding to bile acids and preventing their reabsorption. This process forces the liver to use more cholesterol to produce new bile acids, lowering cholesterol levels in the blood.

Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitors

These drugs work by reducing the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines. They can be used alone or in combination with statins for more significant cholesterol-lowering effects.

PCSK9 Inhibitors

For individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia or those who don’t respond adequately to other treatments, PCSK9 inhibitors may be prescribed. These injectable medications help the liver remove more LDL cholesterol from the blood.

The Impact of High Cholesterol on Overall Health

Understanding the consequences of high cholesterol is crucial for motivating lifestyle changes and adherence to treatment plans. How does high cholesterol affect various aspects of health?

Cardiovascular Health

High cholesterol, particularly elevated LDL levels, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It contributes to the formation of plaque in arteries, leading to atherosclerosis. This narrowing of arteries can result in:

• Coronary artery disease
• Heart attacks
• Stroke
• Peripheral artery disease

Cognitive Function

Emerging research suggests a link between high cholesterol and cognitive decline. Elevated cholesterol levels may increase the risk of developing conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

Liver Health

The liver plays a crucial role in cholesterol metabolism. High cholesterol levels can contribute to fatty liver disease, potentially leading to liver damage and impaired function over time.

Pancreatic Health

Some studies have found associations between high cholesterol levels and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. While more research is needed, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels may have protective effects beyond cardiovascular health.

Prevention Strategies: Keeping Cholesterol in Check

Preventing high cholesterol is often easier than treating it. What are some effective strategies for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels throughout life?

Early Education and Awareness

Understanding the importance of cholesterol management from a young age can help establish healthy habits early on. Educating children and young adults about the impact of diet and lifestyle on cholesterol levels can set the foundation for lifelong heart health.

Regular Health Screenings

Routine cholesterol screenings are essential for early detection and prevention. Adults should begin regular cholesterol checks at age 20, with frequency determined by individual risk factors and healthcare provider recommendations.

Balanced Diet

Adopting a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help maintain optimal cholesterol levels. Limiting saturated and trans fats while incorporating cholesterol-lowering foods can make a significant difference.

Active Lifestyle

Regular physical activity not only helps manage weight but also directly impacts cholesterol levels. Finding enjoyable forms of exercise and making them a consistent part of your routine can contribute to long-term cholesterol management.

Stress Reduction

Chronic stress can negatively impact cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health. Incorporating stress-management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or engaging in hobbies can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

By implementing these prevention strategies and making informed lifestyle choices, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing high cholesterol and its associated health complications. Regular communication with healthcare providers and staying informed about personal cholesterol levels are key components of a proactive approach to heart health.

Cholesterol: What causes high cholesterol?

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

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

There are two types of cholesterol:

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

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

Fast facts on cholesterol:

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

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

It travels around the body in lipoproteins.

Two types of lipoprotein carry the parcels of cholesterol:

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

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

These are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Various low cholesterol recipe books are available to purchase online.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lipid-lowering therapy

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

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

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

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

Apart from statins, a doctor may prescribe:

• selective cholesterol absorption inhibitors
• resins
• fibrates
• niacin

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

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

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

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

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

Statin safety

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

These include:

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

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

A doctor might recommend:

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

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

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

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

10-year risk of a heart attack

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

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

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

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

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

Total Cholesterol: 218 mg/dL

Elle Penner, MPH, RD

5 mins

What does a total cholesterol level of 218 mean? Are there any symptoms associated with this level?

A total cholesterol level of 218 mg/dL is considered elevated. Although cholesterol serves several important functions in the body, elevated cholesterol may put you at greater risk for heart disease. 

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

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

• HDL is considered “good” cholesterol because it scavenges “bad” blood cholesterol and returns it to the liver for excretion. A HDL level >60 mg/dL is considered optimal and protective against heart disease, though levels >40 mg/dL for men and >50 mg/dL for women are still considered good.

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

Elevated total cholesterol doesn’t have symptoms, which is why it’s important to know your levels. Lowering your cholesterol will reduce your risk of developing heart disease and other health issues. If you already have heart disease, lowering your total cholesterol can reduce your odds of serious complications, like a heart attack or stroke. 

Factors that could contribute to a total cholesterol level of 218: 

• Diet: Diets low in fiber and high in saturated fats, trans fats, added sugar, and other refined carbohydrates can cause blood cholesterol to go up.

• Weight. Being overweight also tends to increase cholesterol levels. 

• Physical Activity. Being active can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels.  

• Smoking: Smoking lowers your HDL (good) cholesterol, which can contribute to higher LDL (bad) cholesterol.

• Medications: Certain medications can increase total cholesterol levels. Some of these include: corticosteroids, beta-blockers, thiazide diuretics, retinoids, growth hormones, and antivirals.

• Diseases: Certain diseases like chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS can elevate total cholesterol.

• Age and Sex: Premenopausal women tend to have lower total cholesterol levels than men of the same age. However, cholesterol levels tend to increase with age in both women and men. After the age of menopause, women’s LDL (bad) cholesterol levels tend to rise.

• Genetics (heredity): Because genes partly determine how much cholesterol your body makes, high blood cholesterol can run in families. 

• Race: Certain races may have an increased risk of high blood cholesterol. For example, Blacks/African Americans typically have higher HDL and LDL cholesterol levels than Caucasians.

• Elevated HDL (good) cholesterol: A HDL level above 70 mg/dL may cause your total cholesterol to be elevated. High HDL is considered protective against heart disease and is typically not a concern if your LDL and triglycerides levels are normal.

What to do if your total cholesterol level is 218?

Making changes to your diet and adopting healthy habits can help lower your total cholesterol level. To lower your cholesterol:

• Eat plenty of fiber-rich foods including veggies, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. Increase your fiber intake gradually to 30-40g fiber/ day. 

• Limit your intake of refined carbohydrates and added sugars commonly found in foods like chips, candy, baked goods, processed foods, sweetened yogurt, ice cream, and soda. 

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

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

• Be active every day: Aim for 30-60 minutes of physical activity 5x/week.

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

• Lose weight if you are overweight or obese.

• Quit smoking if you currently smoke.

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

Medications and supplements used to improve total cholesterol results

If diet and lifestyle changes are not enough to lower your cholesterol, some medications and supplements can be helpful to get them into a safer range. Some common ones include: 

Medications

Medications are typically prescribed if diet and lifestyle changes do not lower total cholesterol levels enough on their own. Some common cholesterol medications include:

• Statins: Statins (including atorvastatin, simvastatin, and rosuvastatin) reduce cholesterol production in your liver. Because they typically need to be taken for life, statins are only prescribed if diet and lifestyle changes aren’t enough [3].

• Ezetimibe can be helpful for those with familial hypercholesterolemia and who have side effects with statins. 

• Bile acid sequestrants: These medications block cholesterol-rich bile acid from being absorbed into the bloodstream and can be prescribed in place of or in addition to a statin. 

• PCSK9 inhibitors: This medicine is injected under your skin every 2 or 4 weeks and may be prescribed alongside a statin if you are at high risk of heart attack or stroke, or have familial hypercholesterolemia.

• Lomitapide: Typically prescribed if you have familial hypercholesterolemia and requires liver enzyme monitoring as it can cause liver damage. Lomitapide is commonly also taken with vitamin E.

Supplements

• Plant sterols and stanols: Plant sterols and stanols (also called phytosterols) are found in plant cell membranes. They are similar in structure to cholesterol in the body and block dietary cholesterol from being absorbed. Phytosterols can be found in small quantities in vegetable oils, nuts, legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables; however, the average daily intake (500 mg) is typically not enough to lower cholesterol. Studies show consuming 2000 mg (2g) of plant sterol and stanols daily from diet and supplements is effective for lowering total cholesterol [4]. Plant sterol and stanol supplements taken before or with meals can help lower total cholesterol in parallel with other recommended diet and lifestyle changes [4]. 

• Omega-3 (EPA & DHA): Omega-3 fatty acids (specifically EPA & DHA) can significantly reduce blood triglyceride levels [7]. For cholesterol-lowering benefits, aim to consume 2,400-3,000 mg of omega-3 fats per day from your diet (salmon, mackerel, and trout are all good sources) and a quality fish oil supplement. 

• Beta-glucan: Beta-glucan is a form of soluble fiber that has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels. It’s found naturally in whole grains like barley, oats, rye, and wheat, mushrooms, and seaweed and is also available as a nutritional supplement. For cholesterol-lowering benefits, consume 3-7 g/day from your diet and a supplement.

• Psyllium: Another type of soluble fiber made from the husk of psyllium seeds, psyllium is good for digestive health and regularity and can also help lower cholesterol. Psyllium supplements are sold in powder form and can help reduce lipid levels when taken daily at a dose of 8-12 g/day. 

• Alpha-lipoic acid: alpha-lipoic acid is a potent antioxidant made in the body and found in foods like carrots, beets, spinach, broccoli, potatoes, and red meat. Research indicates that 600 mg/day of alpha-lipoic acid from your diet and a supplement may help lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol [8]. 

• Turmeric: A spice commonly used to flavor and color curry dishes, turmeric may be helpful in lowering pro-inflammatory markers, blood cholesterol, and triglycerides [9]. More research needs to be done to determine optimal form and dosage but supplementing with 500 mg/day appears to be safe and potentially beneficial for lowering cholesterol.

• Bergamot extract: Bergamot is a citrus fruit that has long been used for medicinal purposes. Taking bergamot extract (made from the juice of the fruit) seems to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in adults with high cholesterol [10,11]. One study suggests taking bergamot extract daily for a month may be as effective as taking a low dose of the cholesterol-lowering drug called rosuvastatin (Crestor) [11]. A recent research review indicates that 1000 mg/day may be most effective for lowering cholesterol. 

• Green tea extract: Made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, green tea extract is a natural supplement that has been shown to help lower LDL (bad) and total cholesterol [12]. A daily dose of 400 mg may help lower your cholesterol but check with your doctor first as green tea extract can interact with certain medications, including beta-blockers and blood thinners. In addition, green tea extract may also have a stimulant effect.

What level of cholesterol is considered high? | Eternal questions | Question-Answer

09.01.2017 17:28

Elena Slobodyan

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

948272

Category:
Diseases and treatment

The level of cholesterol in the blood is an important indicator of health. Cholesterol is present in every organ, in every cell membrane and in muscle. Without this substance, the construction of the skeleton, the regeneration of damaged tissues, the metabolism and the production of the most important sex hormones, such as testosterone, estrogen and cortisol, are impossible.

A person receives only 20% of cholesterol from food, in particular, from animal fats, meat, some types of proteins and other products, and the remaining 80% is produced in the human liver.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is usually divided into “bad” and “good”. Both forms are found in the blood plasma as part of lipoproteins: complex complex compounds consisting of fats and proteins.

“Good” cholesterol is the code name for high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The main function of “good” cholesterol is the continuous transfer of excess cholesterol from the blood to the liver for processing and further excretion from the body. Therefore, such cholesterol actively protects the body from serious diseases and cleanses the inner walls of blood vessels.

In contrast, “bad” cholesterol settles inside the walls of the arteries, forming plaques. It combines with apoproteins (special types of protein) and forms fat-protein complexes (LDL). Dangerous for health is the increase in the level of this particular cholesterol.

Cholesterol norms for women and men

The content of cholesterol in human blood can vary from 3.6 mmol/l to 7.8 mmol/l. The optimal level of cholesterol is considered:

Norms of blood cholesterol in men by age

Norms of blood cholesterol in women by age

What happens when you have high cholesterol?

High cholesterol can be caused by:

How can blood cholesterol levels be controlled?

Only physical activity can increase the level of “good” cholesterol: medium and moderate physical activity on the body can increase its production. A low-carbohydrate diet can also help lower bad cholesterol levels. You should exclude the use of margarine, mayonnaise, chips, pastries, fried foods and convenience foods.

How can I check my cholesterol level?

To find out your cholesterol level, you should do a biochemical blood test. The analysis can be taken in almost any clinic, for this they take approximately 5 milliliters of blood from the cubital vein. It is important to know that before taking a cholesterol test, you should not eat anything for 12 hours, limit yourself to physical activity.

See also:

• …What are the standards for blood sugar and cholesterol levels? →
• What pressure is considered normal, low and high? →
• …What is the difference between good and bad cholesterol? →

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The bitter truth about cholesterol | Institute of Elastography

It constitutes the main material of atherosclerotic plaques (APB). Atherosclerosis narrows the arteries (stenosis) and causes ischemia. Or the plaque crumbles and its fragments (emboli) from cholesterol mixed with fibrin fly with the blood flow further to the periphery and plug small branches of arteries. All these processes lead to partial or complete blockage of the arteries supplying vital organs: the brain, heart, eyes, kidneys, lower limbs, intestines. As a result, strokes, heart attacks, gangrene, and blindness develop. The end point is death from cholesterol.

Mankind is dying from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular catastrophes (diseases and complications). Why does the body need such a dangerous substance – cholesterol ?! We have an answer!!!…

The paradox is that cholesterol is useful. Moreover, it is vital for the human body, as well as for other representatives of the animal world. Cholesterol is helpful. It is an integral component of the cell membranes of all animals. The role of cholesterol can only be assessed from the point of view of its role in the structure and reproduction of cells in the human body. Man is a multicellular being.

The human body consists of 60-65% water. Water is separated into cells by membranes of fats (cholesterol and phospholipids) and proteins. Fact: life is impossible without cholesterol. Figuratively, we can say that cholesterol is the “cement” in the construction of a multicellular house called our body. Like building a house in our body, cholesterol is a rigid framework, and walls are phospholipids and proteins. Cholesterol gives rigidity to cell and intracellular membranes, while phospholipids and proteins give elasticity and permeability (Fig. 1).
That is why egg yolk and caviar are called “cholesterol bombs”. They were invented by nature not to be eaten, but to continue the family of birds and fish. Immediately after conception, the fertilization of the egg, begins a “rapid building boom.” And it is at the start of the birth of a new life of “cement-cholesterol” that there should be a lot and nearby. By the way, these products also contain a lot of phospholipids and protein. “If you don’t have time to grow up quickly, you won’t take place as an organism at all.” Natural selection works ruthlessly….

It is well known that hypercholesterolemia (when the serum cholesterol level exceeds the upper threshold of 200 mg% or 5.18 mmol / l in adults) taking into account the lipid spectrum of low and high density lipoproteins) is a path to atherosclerosis. The prevalence in the population of hypercholesterolemia in different countries: in Japan – 7%, Italy – 13%, Greece – 14%, the Netherlands – 32%, USA – 39%, Finland – 56%, Ukraine – 25%. Hypocholesterolemia (low serum cholesterol levels (lower threshold less than 120 mg% or 1.5 mmol / l in adults) is also harmful!

Is cholesterol a friend?

Use of cholesterol: synthesis of cell membranes and intracellular organelles, as well as regulation of their permeability, synthesis of steroid and sex hormones, synthesis of bile acids, vitamin D, hematopoiesis through the reproduction of blood cells, renewal of mucous membranes, skin, liver through the reproduction of epithelial cells. Cholesterol deficiency (hypocholesterolemia) leads to a delay in the development and renewal of body cells, anemia and deficiency of cellular immunity, disorders in the genital area, and cancer. Physiological requirements for dietary cholesterol range from 300-400 mg/day depending on sex, body weight and age. The daily norm of 400 mg of cholesterol is contained in approximately 2 egg yolks.

Cholesterol: when is it a friend and when is it an enemy? The growth of body weight and the development of the human body (ontogenesis) also begin from the moment of fertilization of the egg and are a continuous progressive process that takes place throughout life. However, the increase in the mass of cells in an individual ends quite early. Growth and development are quantitative changes associated with an increase in body weight due to an increase in the number and size of cells. From fertilization to adulthood, the number of cells in the human body increases from 1 to 10 16-10 18. Alas, the growth of the human body ends by the age of 20-25!

The so-called first period of a person’s adulthood begins (for men 22-35 years old, for women 21-35 years old). It is at this time that the cessation of growth and the optimal development of the functional capabilities of the human body, as a biological individual, are noted. It’s unfortunate, but it is at the same time that the morphofunctional development of the organism ends – that same “construction boom”. After that, a gradual decrease in the intensity of functionality begins.

The role of the liver

Attention! The main “cement factory” for a growing organism is the liver. It synthesizes cholesterol, as well as other fats, from carbohydrates. But what happens after the body construction stops by the age of 30? Paradox! “Cement plant” does not stop production! The “flywheel” for the synthesis of cholesterol from glucose continues to rotate at the same speed. Liver enzymes continue to function as in youth. Cholesterol is released from the liver into the blood and bile. The name itself (chole – bile, sterol – fat (Greek)) cholesterol is due to bile. Overproduction of cholesterol occurs at this stage of development of the human body, as well as at all subsequent stages of development. Inevitable and inevitable. “The enemy is not in dietary cholesterol – the enemy is inside us, in our own liver!”

First of all, there comes the “filling of the warehouse of finished products with cholesterol” – the gallbladder. In the gallbladder, due to the concentration of bile at night, 10 times the excess cholesterol falls into crystals. First, it is stagnation of bile and flakes (sluge-sludge), and then stones and cholesterosis of the gallbladder in the form of pseudopolyps and impregnation of cholesterol esters of the wall of the gallbladder itself (polypous and reticular forms of cholesterosis).
This is especially characteristic of a diseased liver. The “Winnie the Pooh syndrome” is realized (according to Dynnik O.B.): “The wrong liver produces the wrong bile.”

The next unpleasant moment is the increase in the concentration of “unused”, excess cholesterol in the blood serum – hypercholesterolemia. When the inner layer of the endothelium of the arteries (intima) is traumatized by episodes of high blood pressure (hypertension, arterial hypertension) or when endothelial membrane proteins are glycosylated during hyperglycemia (episodes of elevated blood glucose concentrations above 8 mmol / l), cholesterol penetrates into the sites of damage to the intima of the arteries. This is how the process of atherogenesis begins – the accumulation of cholesterol in the wall of arteries in the form of local atherosclerotic plaques.

In women, the processes of cholesterol consumption for the synthesis of sex hormones by the ovaries delay hypercholesterolemia and the process of atherogenesis by 8-10 years compared to men. But hypercholesterolemia during menopause equalizes the chances of men and women.

The main 3 “players” of atherogenesis: arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and impaired carbohydrate tolerance are components of the metabolic syndrome. It is often called the “deadly quartet”, because, in combination with an increase in the level of uric acid in the blood serum, this combination leads to fatal consequences of the progress of atherosclerosis of the arteries of vital organs (heart, brain, kidneys).
It is possible and necessary, of course, according to medical indications, to use drugs of the statin group. They block the enzymes in the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver from glucose. But this leads to traumatization of hepatocyte membranes and a negative reaction of other enzyme systems of the liver. Figuratively, statins are “a crowbar inserted into the flywheel of cholesterol synthesis.” It is worth canceling the drug, “remove the crowbar from the flywheel”, and the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver begins with renewed vigor. Logic – if statins, then this is forever.

What to do?

The conclusion is simple and cruel in its biological truth.

If a person wants to live long and not suffer from cholesterol accumulation diseases, by the age of 25-30 he must change his attitude towards the exploitation of his body and, first of all, his attitude towards the liver. This means changing eating behavior (limiting not so much dietary cholesterol, but namely the raw materials for its synthesis in the liver – carbohydrates), adhere to the principles of the “Mediterranean diet”, include omega-3-containing foods in the diet and have adequate physical activity to regulate blood pressure, intimal endothelial training and “burning” of glucose, preventing its conversion in the liver into cholesterol and triglycerides. As the Japanese proverb says: “Every day a person needs to take 10,000 steps to health.”

The main slogan of the Institute of Elastography: “Man – save yourself!”

And we, the specialists of the Institute of Elastography, are ready to help anyone on the way to health!

Our multidisciplinary team at the Institute of Elastography knows what “metabolic syndrome” is and can diagnose it early and successfully treat it based on evidence-based medicine!

We perform early ultrasound diagnosis of arterial atherosclerosis: duplex Doppler scanning of the arteries of the head and neck, arteries of the lower extremities, measurement of the thickness of the intima-media complex (IMC), digital capillaroscopy (CCS).

An endocrinologist and cardiologist may order laboratory tests to diagnose “metabolic syndrome” and insulin resistance. We perform ECG, 24-hour Holter monitoring of ECG and blood pressure, ultrasound examination of the heart – echocardiography (EchoCG) on expert-class devices.