What are the normal cholesterol levels for children? How is hyperlipidemia in children diagnosed and treated? Get answers to these questions and more.

Understanding Hyperlipidemia in Children

Hyperlipidemia is a condition characterized by high levels of lipids (fats and cholesterol) circulating in the blood. This condition is a significant risk factor for the development of heart disease, and it can begin to affect children at a young age. Several factors, including genetics, diet, exercise habits, and the presence of other medical conditions like diabetes and hypertension, can contribute to the development of hyperlipidemia in children.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a naturally occurring substance found in foods from animal sources, such as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy products. It is not present in plant-based foods. Humans also produce cholesterol in our bodies, and dietary cholesterol, as well as saturated and trans fats, can be absorbed by the body and raise blood cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol is essential for the body, as it is a building block for hormones and a component of cell membranes. The goal of treating high blood cholesterol levels is not to eliminate cholesterol entirely, but to maintain it at a safe level.

Cholesterol Guidelines for Children

All children should be screened for high cholesterol between the ages of 9 and 11 years. Doctors generally recommend that total blood cholesterol be below 170 mg/dl for children ages 2 to 19 years old.

If an initial blood test shows a high total cholesterol level, the next step is to conduct a more detailed test to determine the balance of two types of cholesterol: LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). This is called a lipid profile, and it is typically done after a 10- to 12-hour period of fasting.

The recommended cholesterol levels for children are as follows:

• Total Cholesterol: Less than 170 mg/dl
• LDL Cholesterol: Less than 110 mg/dl
• HDL Cholesterol: Greater than 45 mg/dl
• Triglycerides: Less than 100 mg/dl for children under 9 years, and less than 130 mg/dl for children 10 years and older

Diagnosing Hyperlipidemia in Children

If an initial blood test shows high total cholesterol, the next step is to conduct a more detailed lipid profile. This test will provide specific numbers for total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. The Lipid Clinic at Cincinnati Children’s recommends evaluation for all children with an LDL count of 130 or higher or a triglyceride level of 200 mg/dl or higher. More aggressive criteria may be used if there have been cardiac events, or if the child has a very low HDL level.

Treating High Cholesterol in Children

Evidence suggests that children with high cholesterol are likely to have high cholesterol as adults, and the risk of developing heart disease is greater if there is a family history of the condition. Autopsies of healthy individuals killed in accidents or wars have shown noticeable damage to their arteries, even at a young age.

The primary goal of treatment for high cholesterol in children is to achieve and maintain safe cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular physical activity. In some cases, medication may be necessary if lifestyle changes alone are not effective.

Lifestyle Changes for Lowering Cholesterol

Choosing whole grains, reducing added sugars, including healthy fats, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help lower triglycerides and improve overall cholesterol levels in children. It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan that addresses the specific needs and risk factors of the child.

Medication for High Cholesterol in Children

In some cases, medication may be necessary to manage high cholesterol in children, particularly if lifestyle changes are not effective. The most common medications used to treat high cholesterol in children are statins, which work by blocking the liver’s production of cholesterol. Other medications, such as bile acid sequestrants or cholesterol absorption inhibitors, may also be used in certain cases.

Hyperlipidemia in Children | Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Hyperlipidemia is a condition where there are high level of lipids (fats / cholesterol) circulating in the blood. There are different types of hyperlipidemias, all of which are risk factors for developing heart disease.

Other factors such as genetics, eating and exercise habits, and the presence of other diseases such as diabetes and hypertension may also contribute to the development of heart disease. Some of these factors are within our control; others are not.

Studies have shown a link between high blood cholesterol and premature heart attacks. Too much cholesterol in the blood can collect in the arteries and form a plaque (a raised lesion on the inside of an artery).

Over time, this plaque can build up and narrow the arteries, which in turn may clog the flow of blood. This process can begin in early childhood and over time may result in coronary artery disease, heart attacks or stroke.

What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a naturally occurring substance found in all foods from animals such as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs and dairy products. Cholesterol is not present in foods that come from plants.

Humans also make cholesterol in our bodies. Dietary cholesterol, as well as saturated and trans fats in food, may be absorbed by the body and raise blood cholesterol.

Our bodies need cholesterol. It is a building block for hormones and a component of cell membranes. The goal of treating patients with elevated blood cholesterol levels is not to eliminate cholesterol from the blood, but to achieve and maintain a safe level.

All children should be screened for high cholesterol between the ages of 9 to 11 years of age. Doctors generally recommend that total blood cholesterol be below 170 mg/dl for children 2 to 19 years old.

If an initial blood test shows a high total cholesterol level, the next step is to do a more detailed test to find out the balance of two types of cholesterol: LDL and HDL. This is called a lipid profile, which is typically done after a 10- to 12-hour period of fasting without anything to eat or drink.

When your doctor gets the results from a fasting lipid profile, it will have numbers for total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL cholesterol. (In some instances you will get a VLDL level as well.)

Total cholesterol measures three particles found in the blood:

• High density lipoprotein (HDL)
• Low density lipoprotein (LDL)
• Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL)

HDLs and LDLs are two different kinds of cholesterol particles, and VLDLs are rich in triglycerides (or fats). Together, cholesterol and triglycerides are known as lipids.

HDL and LDL particles are covered with a protein that lets them dissolve in the bloodstream. LDL particles, commonly called “bad” cholesterol, carry most of the body’s cholesterol and can begin to form plaque in the blood vessels.

HDLs, also called “good” cholesterol, seem to offer protection against cardiovascular disease by carrying some of the cholesterol out of the bloodstream and preventing it from being deposited.

Triglycerides are fats circulating in your bloodstream. These fats can form from extra calories and sugar in your diet. Alcohol can also raise triglycerides. Choosing whole grains, reducing added sugars, including healthy fats, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight can help lower your triglycerides.

Cholesterol Guidelines for Children 2-19

The Lipid Clinic at Cincinnati Children’s recommends evaluation for all children with an LDL count of 130 or higher or a triglyceride level of 200 mg/dl or higher. More aggressive criteria may be used if there have been cardiac events. Very low HDL may also be a reason for referral.

Treatment of High Cholesterol in Children

Evidence suggests that children with high cholesterol are likely to have high cholesterol when they are adults. Concern about developing disease is greater if there is a family history of heart disease, since the evidence is strong that heart disease runs in families.

Autopsies of healthy individuals killed in accidents or wars have shown noticeable damage to the arteries of young adults. The damage appears to be related to cholesterol levels in the blood. This evidence suggests that the process that leads to heart disease and heart attacks begins during childhood and the teenage years.

Behavior is learned. While we cannot change our genetic heritage, we can stop smoking, exercise regularly, and choose to eat a healthful, nutrient-dense diet, low in fat, cholesterol and added sugars. You have the chance now to teach your child healthy behavior patterns that will last a lifetime.

The first step in treatment of high cholesterol is to set reasonable, attainable goals for your child and your family and to modify your family’s diet to achieve these goals.

The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) recommends making changes to the diet as a main treatment for anyone with elevated cholesterol. Initial dietary guidelines to lower your blood cholesterol are outlined below:

• Total fat in the diet should be reduced to no more than 30 percent of your calories. The majority of your fat from foods should come from healthy, unsaturated fats such as nuts, avocados, olive oil and canola oil.

  An average child should take in about 1,500 to 2,400 calories per day, depending on age and activity level. This would be about 50 to 80 grams of total fat per day with no more than 12-19 grams coming from saturated fat. You should check with your doctor or dietitian to see what is best for your child.
  NOTE: It is important to look at nutrition fact labels. Foods labeled “cholesterol free” can still have extra calories, unhealthy fats and added sugars.

• Saturated fats have been shown to increase blood cholesterol levels. They are mainly found in animal products such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, butter and milk. They are also found in processed and packaged foods, and in desserts.

  Plant oils that are high in saturated fats include coconut, palm, and palm kernel oils. Limit the saturated fats to less than 7 percent of your calories.

• Dietary cholesterol should be no more than 200-300 mg per day. Cholesterol comes ONLY from animal sources and is never found in plant foods. Remember to look at total and saturated fat content as well as cholesterol on the food label.
• Fiber should be included daily. It is recommended that we get 25-30 grams of fiber per day. Most Americans do not meet this goal. Increasing soluble fiber (oats, beans, legumes) can help lower blood cholesterol.

  Fiber can act like a sponge in taking some of the fat out of the body without letting it get absorbed into the bloodstream. Eating whole grains, beans, high-fiber cereals, fruits and vegetables daily can help increase fiber.

• Limit simple sugars, especially if triglyceride levels are high.
  Triglyceride levels may be affected by the sugar and starch content of the diet, as well as fat content. Sugar-sweetened beverages like soda, juice, lemonade and sports drinks can be especially troublesome. Refined white flours and added sugars can also raise triglycerides. Using whole grains instead of white flours can be helpful.

  Did you know one 12 oz. can of regular soft drink has the equivalent of 10+ teaspoons of sugar in it? Do not “reward” children with food, especially not with high-fat or high-sugar treats. Stickers, crayons, books or small toys work well as positive incentives.

Diet

You do not need special “diet” foods to meet these goals. A nutritionally complete, diet low in saturated and trans fat is safe for children over age 2 years and can be easily achieved by eating “normal” foods.

Providing a well-balanced diet including a variety of foods sounds too simple to be true. In reality, this is the solution.

There are no magical “good” foods or “bad” foods that will change your child’s cholesterol. Teaching your children to select a wide variety of foods that are lower in saturated fat and added sugars can be the first step in dietary modification. Choosing fewer processed foods and including more fruits and vegetables can also be a great start.

These dietary changes need to be more than switching high fat “junk” food to fat-free “junk” food. While it is nice to have so many good tasting fat-free products out on the market, these foods may have extra sugars and starch and often lack vitamins and minerals. We need to remember the nutrient content of the foods we are giving our children and encourage a balanced diet. Healthy unsaturated fats from nuts, seeds, avocado, olive and canola oils can be included in a healthy diet.

Obesity is a growing concern among American children today and has been recognized by the Centers for Disease Control as an epidemic in the United States. It is important to recognize that the goal is not to eliminate all fat from the diet, but to limit intake of unhealthy fats, sugars and junk foods. It also means consuming the right amount of calories to support growth and maintain a healthy weight. Growth charts have been developed incorporating Body Mass Index (BMI) information to allow careful monitoring of weight. They can be viewed at www.cdc.gov/growthcharts.

Tips

• Encourage the whole family to participate in dietary modification. Your child will be much more successful if they are not tempted by processed foods brought into the house of other family members.
• Cooking at home and having meals together around a table is beneficial for the whole family. Meal planning, buying seasonal produce, and including some meatless meals can help you be more successful and keep you from overspending.
• It is harder to control what is in our foods when we eat out. Look for restaurants that offer healthier options like grilled or baked meats and sides of fruits or vegetables. Be aware that condiments can add extra calories, fat and sodium and watch for large portions. Rethink your drink and limit sugary drinks when eating out.
• Set good examples — children live what they learn and learn by example. If parents have poor eating habits, their children are likely to mimic those habits. This goes for exercise, as well as nutrition.
• Use positive terms when referring to dietary modifications. Negative comments regarding low-fat or “special foods” should be kept to yourself. Avoid the term “diet” as this refers to a temporary solution. Make dietary modifications for a lifetime.
• Make foods appealing to kids. Use colorful veggies or fruits. Cut things into special shapes kids enjoy.
• Be creative and get kids involved in meal planning and preparation. Teach your children to read labels and what to look for on the label.
• Help your child maintain his or her desirable body weight. Encourage physical activities and limit sedentary activities. Offer a wide variety of tasty low-fat, nutrient-dense foods to your family. Limit intake of “empty calorie” foods.

Favorite foods are not off limits to children, but limiting quantity and frequency of high-fat and high-sugar foods along with implementing regular exercise can help kids lower their cholesterol levels and decrease their risk for developing coronary artery disease later in life.

What if Diet Doesn’t Work?

If dietary treatment does not lower your child’s cholesterol after you and your child make a concentrated effort for a significant length of time — up to a year — drug therapy will be considered.

Last Updated 02/2022

Reviewed By Sara Henson, MD

If you have questions or would like more information about the Lipid Clinic, call us at 513-636-0135.

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What Causes High Cholesterol in a Child?

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Though you might think of cholesterol as an adult-only health concern, it is an essential part of your child’s health. Understanding childhood cholesterol and making simple lifestyle and dietary choices can help prevent serious health risks in your child’s future.

What is cholesterol and how does it affect children?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance in the body that plays an important structural and functional role for cell membranes and hormones. Total cholesterol is made up of:

• Low-density lipoproteins (LDL): Produced primarily in the liver and gets deposited in blood vessel walls
• High-density lipoproteins (HDL): Removes excess LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream and sometimes referred to as “good” cholesterol
• Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL): Produced in the liver and transported in the bloodstream to move cholesterol to the organs
• Triglycerides: Fatty acids from the meals your child recently ate are transported as triglycerides

Children of all ages can be at risk of developing dangerous levels of cholesterol when excessive levels of LDL (“bad” cholesterol) or triglyceride accumulate in blood. High levels of LDL can deposit on the walls of blood vessels, creating plaque, which can lead to future health risks like heart disease.  

What causes high cholesterol in a child?

High cholesterol in children can be passed on from parents to children, or can be caused by obesity and diet.

“Youth obesity is a leading cause of high cholesterol in children,” says Nivedita Patni, M.D., Pediatric Endocrinologist at Children’s Health℠ and Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern. “More than 43% of children with obesity have high cholesterol compared to less than 14% of kids who are not obese.”

Children who have diabetes, kidney or liver disease, or hypothyroidism are also at risk of developing high cholesterol during childhood. Though some hereditary factors can be difficult to control, knowing your family history is important. You can also help keep your child’s cholesterol in check by making sure they eat healthy, whole food nutrition and get plenty of exercise each day.

What is the normal cholesterol level for a child?

High cholesterol in children and adults is defined as total cholesterol over 200 mg/dL. Specifically, LDL or triglycerides greater than 130 mg/dL or HDL less than 40 mg/L are considered abnormal. For children, staying under these levels is considered healthy.

“The American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommend universal lipid screening for children ages 9-11 and 17-21,” says Dr. Patni. For children with other risk factors, cholesterol screening may occur sooner. Cholesterol screening for kids involves a non-fasting, non-HDL test. Any abnormal childhood cholesterol screenings should have at least two follow-up, fasting lipid profiles to evaluate overall cholesterol levels.

What should kids with high cholesterol eat?

You can help increase your child’s good cholesterol by adding monounsaturated fats to your child’s diet. These healthy fats can assist in bringing your child’s cholesterol to a healthy level. Additionally, consuming whole grains along with high-fiber fruits and vegetables can aid cholesterol levels in your child as part of an overall healthy diet.

Foods that can help lower pediatric high cholesterol include:

• Canola oil
• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Tuna
• Swordfish
• Salmon
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole grains

Avoid foods which can increase “bad” cholesterol. Saturated fat should make up no more than 8-10% of your child’s overall fat intake. Trans fat should be avoided entirely.

Foods high in saturated fat that should be limited include:

• Beef
• Sausage
• Bacon
• Hot dogs
• Butter
• Ice cream
• Cheese

High trans-fat foods to avoid include:

• Microwave popcorn
• Margarine
• Fried foods

One way to reduce the risk of your child developing high cholesterol is to eat at home as often as possible. When you decide to eat out as a family, help your child avoid fried foods and sugary drinks, especially because portion sizes can be large.

How do I lower my child’s cholesterol?

“Lifestyle changes are the core to treating high cholesterol,” says Dr. Patni. “It’s important that parents work with their child to manage cholesterol levels and limit fat intake.”

Beyond diet, there are a number of things you can do as a parent to help keep your child’s cholesterol in check. Regular exercise, at least one hour of moderate to vigorous activity per week, can help to reduce your child’s risk of developing high cholesterol or lower existing high cholesterol levels. Try to get out of the house with your child and enjoy a walk together or a game of kickball. In addition, limit screen time to less than two hours per day. This can help reinforce an active lifestyle, which will help to control your child’s cholesterol levels.

“For children with familial hypercholesterolemia, or other risk factors, such as liver or kidney disease, diabetes or hypothyroidism, cholesterol lowering medications are needed if elevated levels persist despite dietary and lifestyle changes,” says Dr. Patni. Some cholesterol medications are approved for children 10 years and older, providing an option to get cholesterol under control during childhood before it becomes a more serious problem.

Learn more about pediatric high cholesterol

With childhood obesity, diabetes and other endocrine disorders on the rise, our nationally ranked pediatric endocrinologists at Children’s Health are here to help. Learn more about our endocrinology program and services.

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cardiology, determinants of health, diet, eating habits, heart disease, heart health

what cholesterol is needed for, the norm is different for everyone

12/23/2019Updated 01/14/2021

Cholesterol, being an organic fat-like compound that is part of all body tissues, is important for the formation of cell membranes. Simply put, cholesterol supports the framework of our body and, by the way, is found only in animal fats.

Note that this compound is actively involved in the production of hormones, as well as in the enveloping of nerve fibers and the synthesis of important vitamins. Due to this, it is impossible to exclude the benefits of cholesterol; moreover, sometimes even its deficiency also leads to certain disorders in the body. However, its excess is also a problem.

The norm of cholesterol is different for everyone, namely, women have their own, men have their own. In addition, the norm also varies in people of age, due to some processes occurring in their body. In general, the rate of cholesterol in the blood of an adult is on average up to 5.2 mmol / l., while in a child it varies from 3.7 to 4.5 mmol / l.

Cholesterol is differentiated into two main types:

• LDL, or low-density lipoproteins (the so-called “bad” cholesterol; settles on the inner walls of the arteries, forming atherosclerotic plaques).
• HDL, or high-density lipoproteins (the so-called “good” cholesterol; helps remove cholesterol itself from arteries and tissues, carrying it back to the liver for oxidation – this prevents atherosclerotic plaques from forming).

Each given species also has its own blood cholesterol norm – the table clearly shows this:

Index	The norm in women (mmol / l.)	The norm for men (mmol / l.)
Total cholesterol	3.6 – 5.2	3.6 – 5.2
LDL	2.25 – 4.82	2.25 – 4.82
>HDL	1.15 – 1.68	0.9 – 1.45

The norm of cholesterol in the blood is checked in order to determine whether it is lower or higher in order to further adjust the diet and lifestyle. The importance of blood cholesterol levels is determined by the fact that we need it for:

• normal digestion;
• vitamin D synthesis;
• structures of new cells;
• support the work of the nervous, immune and reproductive systems;
• synthesis of many hormones (cortisol, testosterone, progesterone, estrogen).

Despite the importance of cholesterol for our body, if it is elevated, this is not at all the norm. So, high cholesterol, as you know, is fraught with the onset of a disease in the form of atherosclerosis – the appearance of plaques in the blood vessels. It is cholesterol that is considered the number one enemy of most pathologies of the cardiovascular system. And in order for it not to rise, it is worth following recommendations such as:

• minimize fried, smoked, greasy;
• include in the diet more plant foods, as well as seafood;
• remove fast carbohydrates by replacing ordinary bread, for example, with the one made from whole grain flour;
• increase physical activity, namely more walking, running or just moving;
• give up bad habits, in particular – remove alcohol, as it is simply a “killer” of blood vessels.

All of these factors affect the level of cholesterol in the blood. And even if you have never had problems with it, you should still follow these recommendations and lead a healthy lifestyle to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Interestingly, cholesterol is synthesized both by the body itself and at the expense of food. However, most of it (almost 80%) is synthesized directly in the liver, while 20% comes from food.

In general, the causes of high cholesterol in both sexes are considered to be obesity, prolonged smoking, excess adrenal hormones, physical inactivity, various kidney diseases, liver disorders, lack of sex hormones, as well as taking certain drugs.

Author:

Koruna Liliya Anatolievna

Cardiologist, therapist, first category, Experience 12 years

Other blog entries

LDL cholesterol – the norm in the blood. How to get tested for cholesterol

A substance such as cholesterol protects intracellular structures from free radicals. The destructive effect of the latter can lead to disease. When a person has a normal cholesterol level, no pathologies occur. How is an increase or decrease determined?

Cholesterol is a member of the steroid group. Blood contains it in the composition of compounds with proteins that perform a transport function. This combination is called lipoproteins or lipoproteins. A small part of this substance is still free. Such cholesterol is considered common – it does not play a decisive role in the development of cardiac ischemia and other pathologies associated with the cardiovascular system. Among the more important forms of cholesterol, there are:

About 70% of the total amount of cholesterol that blood plasma contains belongs to LDL. It is characterized by the fact that it is able to linger on the walls of blood vessels for a longer time, compared with HDL. For this reason, an increase in the content of such cholesterol leads to excessive accumulation in the form of atherosclerotic plaques and various diseases related to the cardiovascular system.

Cholesterol and lipid blood tests

• blood test for total cholesterol;

• low density lipoprotein testing;

• high density lipoprotein study;

• Triglyceride analysis.

Based on the interpretation of the study, the doctor has important indicators that will help him assess the patient’s condition, as well as determine the nature of the course or the risk of developing diseases of the liver, kidneys, heart or autoimmune pathologies. A blood test only for cholesterol does not carry as much information as a lipid profile, therefore it is used only in determining the effectiveness of treatment.

IMPORTANT:

Harmful CHOLESTEROL in 89% of cases becomes the first cause of heart attacks and strokes!

How to take a cholesterol test correctly

For the reliability of the result, the analysis requires proper preparation, which is indicated for children and adults. The recommended time for blood sampling from a vein is in the morning. The analysis itself is taken on an empty stomach, and on the eve it is better to exclude physical activity and fatty foods. You can make it in a biochemical laboratory. Doctors recommend 1 time in 5 years to apply for such an analysis, and after 40 years it is better to do it every year.

Blood cholesterol norm

Lipidogram reflects several indicators:

• level of total cholesterol – total cholesterol;

• HDL cholesterol content – HDL cholesterol;

• amount of LDL cholesterol – LDL cholesterol;

• level of triglycerides – TG;

• Atherogenic index – CA or IA.

Measures LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides in mmol/l. The total number must be between 3.5 and 5.2 mmol/l. A cause for concern is an increase to 6.2 mmol / l. The content of cholesterol in the blood is calculated as follows: HDL cholesterol is determined, the level of which should start from 1. 4 mmol / l, and then by subtracting this number from total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol is calculated. The amount of the latter is normal if it is < 4 mmol/l. The number of triglycerides should not exceed 1.5 mmol / l. The allowable amount is 2.3 mmol / l.

In women

LDL cholesterol and other indicators will differ in women. The amount of total should be in the range of 2.9-7.85 mmol / l. It all depends on age. The norm of LDL in women after 50 years is 2.28-5.72 mmol / l, and at a younger age – 1.76-4.82 mmol / l. The same indicators, only for HDL cholesterol are 0.96-2.38 mmol / l and 0.93-2.25 mmol / l.

In men

The amount of LDL cholesterol in the male body is acceptable if its value does not go beyond the limits from 2.02 to 4.79mmol/l. The level of HDL is slightly different and is 0.98-1.91 mmol / l. which is typical for men under 50 years of age. At a more mature age, this value varies from 0.72 to 1.94 mmol / l. The indicator of total cholesterol should be in the range from 3.6 to 6.5 mmol / l.

In children

For a child aged 5-10 years, the LDL cholesterol value is considered to be from 1.63 to 3.63 mmol / l. In a child of 10-15 years old, this value practically does not change and ranges from 1.66 to 3.52 in the same units. For the age of 15-18 years, the amount of LDL cholesterol should be in the range from 1.61 to 3.55 mmol / l. Some

Deviations are possible depending on the sex of the child: girls have a slightly higher level than boys.

Atherogenic coefficient

1. If CA is less than 3, then the development of atherosclerosis has a minimal risk.

2. If the CA is in the range from 3 to 4, then the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis or cardiac ischemia is high.

3. If CA is greater than 5, then the risk of atherosclerosis is the highest. In addition, vascular pathologies, diseases of the brain, heart, kidneys or limbs may develop.

What to do if LDL cholesterol is high or low

If cholesterol is above normal, the reasons for this may be:

• liver pathology;

• endocrine diseases, eg diabetes mellitus;

• metabolic disorders;

• smoking and excessive drinking;

• obesity;

• unbalanced diet;

• sedentary lifestyle;

• High blood pressure.

You can correct the situation and bring cholesterol back to normal with the help of a special diet, physical activity and medications. The latter begin to take already in more severe cases. Sports activities can be short jogging or walking. As for taste preferences, you will have to give up:

• hard cheeses;

• mayonnaise and other fatty dressings;

• sausage products;

• baking and confectionery;

• Cream, sour cream;

• semi-finished products;

• vegetable oils;

• Fatty meats.

Instead, you should eat freshly squeezed juices, fresh fruits and vegetables, sea fish, especially salmon and sardines.