High density lipoproteins are elevated causes. Analysis for increasing low-density and high-density cholesterol

We will learn about the risks associated with low HDL cholesterol levels. We explore the symptoms and causes of low cholesterol values ​​well, and we see how to return values ​​to the level of a physiological diet.

What is HDL cholesterol

Low HDL is spoken of when it is concentration found in peripheral blood below 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women.

It would seem that low cholesterol can be interpreted as a sign of good health, however, in the case of HDL, the opposite is true.

Why Low Good Cholesterol Is Harmful

Of course, you know that high cholesterol levels are the enemy of cardiovascular health. But this axiom does not apply to all types of cholesterol. In fact, in the case of HDL, the higher its concentration, the lower the risk of developing atherosclerotic changes and, as a result, heart disease.

Cholesterol is a necessary component for the proper functioning of the body (a component of cell membranes, a precursor to important hormones such as steroids). To move freely along with the bloodstream, cholesterol is packaged in special proteins that increase its solubility.

Basic information about lipoproteins: low density lipoproteins. Also known as "bad" cholesterol, they are produced in the liver. Under normal physiological conditions, this process is balanced. In the sense that each cell is able to maintain the level of cholesterol necessary for its functioning, and return the excess to the liver. If this natural balance is upset, then there will be an increase in the level of LDL in the blood, which can be deposited on the walls of the arteries and lead to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. L high density hypoproteins. Also known as "good" cholesterol. They are involved in the reverse transport of excess cholesterol. That is, excess lipoproteins circulating there are obtained from the cells and transferred to the liver. In addition, HDL perform other important functions: they protect the body from atherosclerotic deposits, from the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke.

High HDL values ​​not only prevent plaque deposition by preventing LDL oxidation, but also promote the removal of existing plaques by preventing monocytes from adhering to the vessel wall and, as a result, preventing possible blood vessel obstruction.

Optimal Levels HDL concentrations are:

• Men: 60 mg/dL or more
• Women: 60 mg/dl or more

What are the symptoms of a decrease in HDL

A decrease in HDL values ​​occurs asymptomatically and few people notice it, only with the usual periodic medical control.

Symptoms occur when health is already damaged and disease develops.

Reasons for lowering cholesterol values

But what are the reasons that can lead to decrease in HDL values?

There are many of them, and they are not always associated with diseases:

• Pregnancy and menopause are the most common causes of a physiological decrease in HDL cholesterol values. The reason should be sought in hormonal changes. Recent studies have shown a marked reduction in cholesterol observed within two years after pregnancy.
• During menopause lower cholesterol is due to the lack of estrogen, which regulates cholesterol synthesis.
• Birth control pills can reduce HDL cholesterol levels, as they contain progestin, which leads to an increase in LDL cholesterol, thus increasing the value of total cholesterol.
• Improper nutrition: rich in fatty foods and poor in vegetables, fiber and monounsaturated fats, which leads to an increase in the proportion of LDL cholesterol and a decrease in the proportion of HDL.
• Misbehavior: a sedentary lifestyle leads to an increase in the level of "bad" cholesterol and reduces "good".
• Smoking: The mechanism that links smoking to HDL cholesterol is not entirely clear, but smoking cessation has been shown to markedly increase good cholesterol levels.
• Obesity: with obesity, an excess of triglycerides occurs, which leads to an increase in the concentration of very low density lipoproteins and a number of changes in the cholesterol chain: high density lipoproteins become smaller and lose their atherogenic functions.

Diseases leading to a decrease in the level of good cholesterol:

• celiac disease or food allergies reduce cholesterol levels, as the body does not absorb food, and therefore does not receive HDL from the diet.
• hypothyroidism and liver disease such as hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver; excess thyroid hormone leads to an increase in metabolism.
• Medications, such as beta-blockers, diuretics, interferons, or statins used to lower cholesterol levels.

Risks of Low HDL

Given the protective function of HDL in relation to the arteries, low HDL cholesterol exposes the body to high risk of cardiovascular disease.

When HDL cholesterol falls far below optimal levels, with a ratio of total cholesterol above 5, damage to the arteries can lead to:

• Atherosclerosis: fatty deposits in the arteries, which entail a decrease in blood flow.
• Stroke: obstruction or rupture of an artery in the brain, resulting in the death of brain tissue.
• heart attack: reduction or cessation of blood flow, which leads to the death of the heart muscle.
• Coronary heart disease: complete or partial cessation of blood flow to the heart.

What to do to increase HDL levels

Quit smoking. Exclusion of smoking entails an increase in HDL levels by about 10%. Especially when you add physical activity to this (at least 5 days a week for 30 minutes): swimming, biking, running, brisk walking, gardening - anything that increases the heart rate.

Lose extra pounds. A 3 kg weight loss raises HDL levels by 1 mg/dl of blood.

Follow the rules of rational nutrition. The basis of such a diet should be the consumption of healthy fats. In particular, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, in the latter case it is omega 3, found in fruits with a hard shell and oily fish.

Drinking one or two glasses of red wine a day. Not everyone agrees with this recommendation, but wine certainly helps keep HDL values ​​high. It is possible that this is the reason that explains the French paradox. The French, being heavy consumers of saturated fats (butter, fatty meat), have a low prevalence of cardiovascular disease.

Taking drugs that increase HDL the most common is niacin. There are also supplements based on this ingredient. It should not be used without the advice of a doctor because side effects on liver function may occur.

Diet to increase cholesterol values

To reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, you need to eat foods that help increase the proportion of HDL cholesterol and lower LDL.

In particular:

• Fishes, rich in omega-3 (fats), such as salmon or swordfish.
• cereals, especially whole grains such as bread and pasta.
• Non-greasy boiled sausage or fat-free ham.
• low fat cheese such as mozzarella, ricotta, goat cheese.
• Milk and yogurt.
• Lean meat such as turkey, chicken and rabbit.
• Dried fruits such as hazelnuts, walnuts, and almonds because they contain omega-3s.
• Foods rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C, which is abundant in kiwi, broccoli, oranges and lemons.
• Some legumes, such as soybeans, which contain phytoestrogens, substances that can mimic the effects of estrogen and lower cholesterol levels.

A diet that can help you keep your "bad" cholesterol levels low vegetarian diet , because it excludes the consumption of animal fats and involves the consumption of large amounts of fruits and vegetables rich in vegetable fats containing sterols, which have a structure similar to cholesterol and stimulate the reduction of total cholesterol.

Lipoproteins (or lipoproteins) are a combination of lipids (fats) and proteins. A soft, waxy substance found in all parts of the body.

It cannot dissolve on its own in the blood, so special “carriers” – lipoproteins – are required to transport it through the bloodstream.

There are three types of lipoproteins, the difference between which is the ratio of protein content to cholesterol volume.

• High-density lipoproteins (HDL), the volume of protein in such lipoproteins is quite large, and the level of cholesterol is much lower. They are generally called "good" cholesterol because they extract it from the walls of the arteries and dispose of it in the liver. The higher the concentration of HDL compared to the concentration of LDL, the better for a person, these lipoproteins are a kind of protection for the body from various cardiac complications, such as stroke, tachycardia, chronic arterial insufficiency, rheumatic heart disease, deep vein thrombosis;
• Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) contain higher concentrations of cholesterol compared to protein, they are called "bad" cholesterol. A high amount of LDL in the blood increases the likelihood of aortic disease, stroke, and blood vessel disease. They also provoke the formation of cholesterol plaques along the inner wall of the artery. When the number of these plaques increases, the excess volume narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow. As a result of the rupture of such a plaque, peculiar blood clots (thrombi) are formed, which also restrict blood flow. This lump can lead to a heart attack or myocardial infarction (if it is in one of the coronary arteries);
• Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) contain even less protein than LDL;
• Triglycerides are a type of fat that the body uses as a source of energy. The combination of high concentrations of triglycerides with low HDL levels can also cause a heart attack or stroke. When checking HDL and LDL levels, doctors often evaluate triglyceride levels.

Learn more about lipoproteins and cholesterol

Norm indicators

*The conversion factor from mg/dL to mmol*/L is 18.1.

In women and men levels slightly different(but not much):

Ask your question to the doctor of clinical laboratory diagnostics

Anna Poniaeva. She graduated from the Nizhny Novgorod Medical Academy (2007-2014) and residency in clinical laboratory diagnostics (2014-2016).

High-density lipoproteins or HDL - often referred to as good cholesterol - contain more protein molecules than other lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are special substances that are involved in the transportation of fats and lipids through the blood, which are poorly soluble in water. In particular, lipoproteins are involved in transporting cholesterol from the liver to its destination and back.

High-density lipoproteins are considered "good cholesterol" because, unlike low-density lipoproteins or LDL, they do not settle on the walls of blood vessels and do not contribute to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Moreover, they have the ability to transport cholesterol that has already settled on the walls of blood vessels back to the liver, cleansing the vessels and preventing the development of atherosclerosis.

Norm of HDL cholesterol in the blood. Result interpretation (table)

Why is it necessary to find out the level of concentration of high density lipoproteins? As already mentioned, HDL helps cleanse blood vessels from atherosclerotic plaques and reduce the risk of developing heart and vascular disease. In other words, the higher the HDL content in the patient's blood, the better protected he is from the development of dangerous diseases, such as coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, heart attack or stroke. With an increase in HDL levels only two times, the likelihood of a heart attack decreases by as much as 8 times.

Knowing the concentration of HDL in the patient's body, it is easy to calculate an indicator called the atherogenic coefficient.

K xs \u003d Total cholesterol - HDL-C / HDL-C

This coefficient shows the ratio of the content of harmful cholesterol - low density lipoproteins to the content of good cholesterol. In addition, an analysis for HDL can help in the diagnosis of various diseases that cause a change in their concentration and deviation from the norm, both in one direction and in the other.

Analysis for HDL is prescribed in the following cases:

• for the diagnosis of atherosclerosis and related diseases of the cardiovascular system,
• with various liver diseases,
• during preventive examinations of the patient, to assess his health and the likelihood of developing certain diseases in him.

Blood is taken from a vein, strictly on an empty stomach, in the morning. It is recommended not to eat for 12-14 hours before the test.

The norm of HDL cholesterol in the blood depends on the age and gender of the person. As a rule, this figure is higher in women.

If HDL is elevated, what does it mean?

An increase in HDL levels is usually considered a good sign and is regarded as an anti-atherogenic factor, that is, a factor that prevents the development of atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases. However, there are certain pathological conditions that can also lead to an increase in HDL levels. it:

• primary hyper-alpha-lipoproteinemia is a hereditary disease,
• chronic hepatitis,
• biliary cirrhosis of the liver.

An increase in the level of HDL leads to a decrease in body weight in overweight people, various stressful conditions, as well as alcoholism. That is why the deviation of HDL from the norm, even in a positive direction, requires additional study of the reasons that led to this phenomenon.

If HDL is low, what does it mean?

As you probably already understood, low HDL levels significantly increase the risk of atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Not so long ago, it was believed that the whole thing is in the excessive consumption of "bad" cholesterol with food. But even at the beginning of this century, it was found that food has nothing to do with it, it's all about low thyroid function or hypothyroidism. It is he who helps to reduce the production of HDL and. on the contrary, an increase in the level of LDL.

Other diseases that can lead to the fact that the rate of HDL cholesterol in the blood will deviate downward:

• primary hypo-alpha-lipoproteinemia is a hereditary disease,
• decompensated diabetes,
• nephrotic syndrome,
• cholestasis,
• hypertriglyceridemia,
• chronic renal failure,
• acute infectious inflammatory processes occurring in the body.

The same result can lead to the use of certain drugs - diuretics, beta-blockers, drugs based on progestin or danazol.

Cholesterol enters the body with food, most of all with dairy products and meat. But it is also produced by the liver.

It is vital:

• From it, cell membranes are created for all, without exception, tissues and organs of the human body.
• Also, on its basis, hormones are created that are responsible for growth, development and the possibility of reproduction.
• Bile is formed from cholesterol in the liver, which helps the intestines work.

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance. And fats do not dissolve in water, which means that blood cannot transport them in its pure form. Therefore, cholesterol is “packed” into protein. The new combination of cholesterol and protein is called lipoprotein.

Several types of lipoproteins circulate in the human body, different in structure and function:

• Very low density lipoproteins. Formed in the liver. Lipids are transported in the bloodstream.
• Low density lipoproteins. Formed from very low density lipoproteins after triglycerides are released. That is, it is practically pure cholesterol.
• High density lipoproteins. With the blood flow, excess cholesterol is transported to the liver. Where bile is then formed from it.

In other words, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the "good" cholesterol.

Cholesterol "bad" and "good"

Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are the main type of "transport" of total cholesterol.

In this form it:

• Moves around the body
• It becomes the cause of plaque settling on the vessels and their possible blockage;
• It provokes the occurrence of heart attacks, coronary heart disease, stroke and atherosclerosis. Therefore, this cholesterol is conditionally called "bad".

High density lipoproteins:

• Carry fats and total cholesterol from one cell to another;
• The remaining “waste” cholesterol is collected and carried back to the liver, which processes it into bile.

That is, they collect excess cholesterol and prevent its deposition on the walls of blood vessels. Therefore, high-density lipoproteins are the norm for the body and such HDL cholesterol is also called “good” cholesterol.

HDL contains about 30% of the total cholesterol in the body. The rest of the cholesterol is LDL. Its level in the blood is constantly fluctuating and in case of an increase, high-density lipoproteins will not be able to cope with it.

It will be deposited on the walls of the vessels and narrow the lumen, making it difficult for the blood to move. In this case, the vessels will lose their elasticity, and atherosclerosis will develop. The risk of developing heart disease will increase several times.

Normal levels of "good" cholesterol in the blood:

1. For men: up to 19 years 30-65 mg / dl, from 20 years and older 30-70 mg / dl.
2. For women, the indicators are more dynamic: under the age of 14 30-65 mg/dl, aged 15 to 19 years 30-70 mg/dl, from 20 to 29 years 30-75 mg/dl, from 30 to 39 years 30-80 mg/dl, aged 40 years and over 30-85mg/dl.

Upon reaching the upper limit of age, after which the level of HDL in the blood should no longer change, it is recommended to regularly donate blood to determine the level of cholesterol.

Deviations of HDL from the norm

Since HDL removes excess cholesterol, high levels are not a risk. On the contrary, in this case, the risk of developing coronary heart disease decreases several times.

But a decrease in HDL, even with a normal level of ordinary cholesterol, increases the risk of plaque deposition several times. So even if the level is elevated, high density lipoproteins are not a bad factor for the body.

There are several reasons that cause HDL deviation from the norm, among them:

• genetic abnormalities.
• Chronic alcoholism leading to cirrhosis of the liver.
• Deviations in the work of the thyroid gland - hyperthyroidism.
• Regular use of certain medications (such as insulin).

In any case, even elevated HDL should not be significantly higher than normal. Otherwise, it already speaks of pathology.

Increasing HDL

It seems that the higher the level of HDL in the blood, the better. Because the risk of developing heart and vascular diseases decreases almost proportionally. But it is not so. A significant increase in performance is a signal of pathology.

Usually:

• The presence of hyperlipoproteinemia is a hereditary high level of high density lipoproteins.
• Cirrhosis of the liver.
• Chronic hepatitis.
• Prolonged intoxication of the body - alcohol, smoking, etc.

There are two factors that affect the increase in HDL, but are not a pathology:

• Pregnancy. Throughout the entire period of bearing a child, an increased level of HDL is the norm. Therefore, the analysis should be taken no earlier than 2 months after birth.
• Taking medication on an ongoing basis. For example, insulin.

In the case of an increase in high-density lipoproteins, it is necessary first of all to exclude risk factors. And to treat the diseases that caused it.

Research procedure

Lipidogram - an analysis of the level of cholesterol in the blood. Recommended for anyone over 20 years of age.

But there are also a number of cases when an analysis is necessary:

1. Or if the person is taking cholesterol-lowering medications.
2. If a person follows a low-fat diet as recommended by a doctor.
3. In the presence of a hereditary factor, the child must first pass this test between the ages of 2 and 10 years.
4. If at least one of the risk factors is present:

• Smoking.
• Age for men from 45 years old, for women from 55 years old.
• Heredity.
• A stroke, heart attack, or coronary heart disease.
• Diabetes.
• Obesity.
• Alcoholism.
• A large percentage of fatty foods in the regular diet.

Lipidogram is a common blood test. It is rented according to the general rules - on an empty stomach, on the eve it is necessary to avoid physical exertion, baths and fatty foods.

There are no special requirements for preparation for it. This blood test shows high density lipoproteins as well.

Risk Analysis

Long-term high cholesterol leads to the development of a variety of diseases.

Everything in the body is connected, including through the blood:

• First of all, the heart system suffers.
• Atherosclerosis- a natural consequence of liming of vessels and their loss of elasticity.
• Naturally, the liver suffers. As an organ directly involved in the processing of cholesterol. This is where obesity develops.
• The kidneys suffer, as the load on them increases significantly.
• Diabetes and pancreatitis. Possible development of pancreatic cancer. This is a "payment" for a diseased liver as well.
• The thyroid gland as an organ of the endocrine system. Fats are involved in the production of hormones, so their concentration in the blood affects all body systems.

Lowering cholesterol is no less dangerous for the body. Against its background, a variety of diseases develop - from pulmonary tuberculosis to acute infectious diseases. An increase in cholesterol levels does not occur suddenly, so it is possible to control this process, avoiding irreversible consequences.

Food is a source of cholesterol

Although cholesterol is produced by the liver, much of it comes from food.

In order to more or less control the level of your cholesterol, it is enough to navigate the products and know in which of them cholesterol is elevated:

1. Yolks of chicken eggs.
2. Sausage.
3. Margarine.
4. Caviar.
5. Offal - liver, lungs, etc.
6. Canned fish. This applies only to canned food in oil. Fish in their own juice is not a threat.
7. Fast food.
8. Processed meat - all kinds of stews, canned meat, etc.
9. Shrimps, mussels, oysters.

These products must be completely abandoned until the level of cholesterol returns to normal. In extreme cases, the number must be greatly reduced.

But it is necessary to understand that we are not talking about eating these foods in general, but about their abuse. Reception in small amounts, coupled with vegetable fiber, especially before lunch, will energize the body. And an active day will contribute to the “burning” of “bad” cholesterol.

Food is a source of fiber

Fiber helps lower cholesterol levels. With regular consumption of plant foods, cholesterol levels are reduced by 60%. Vegetable fiber is found in vegetables and fruits, as well as in non-animal fats. For example, there is no cholesterol in olive or sunflower oil.

Plant foods not only do not contain cholesterol, but also speed up the digestion process.. With high cholesterol, the introduction of fruits and vegetables into the diet will result in lower cholesterol levels.

This will also help reduce the interval between meals.. If you single out three main meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner, and snack between them exclusively with fresh fruit, your cholesterol level will drop significantly.

Prevention

Cholesterol levels love balance, any imbalance in nutrition will cause, respectively, an increase in cholesterol levels:

1. Nutritional balance. Animal fats are also needed. They, among other things, are involved in the formation of "good" cholesterol. Therefore, their intake can be limited, but should not be completely excluded from food. And during the reception - yes. Until 12 noon, at the latest - until 14.
2. Combination of animal fats and fiber. More vegetables, more fruits. A balanced diet will give not only low cholesterol levels, but also excellent health, smooth skin and long youth.
3. Motion. In the truest sense of the word, this is life. Intense physical activity will lower the level of "bad" cholesterol and increase the level of "good". In addition, a walk after a meal will speed up the transport of fats. And this means that they will not have a chance to settle on the walls of blood vessels. Athletes-athletes are able to lower the level of cholesterol in their body 79% faster than other people.
4. Rejection of bad habits.
5. Taking vitamins.
6. Drink green tea. It is scientifically proven that it significantly reduces the level of "bad" cholesterol.

Hypercholesterolemia, a condition in which the level of cholesterol in the blood is elevated, is on the list of the most important risk factors that provoke the occurrence of myocardial infarction. The human liver produces cholesterol in sufficient quantities, so it should not be consumed with food.

Lipoproteins are of high (HDL or HDL), low (LDL) and very low (VLDL) density. Each of them is considered in assessing the risk of developing diseases of the cardiovascular system. Most blood cholesterol is contained in low-density lipoprotein (LDL). It is they who deliver cholesterol to cells and tissues, including through the coronary arteries to the heart and above.

Found in LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, it plays a very important role in the formation of plaque (accumulation of fatty substances) on the inner walls of the arteries. In turn, these are the causes of sclerosis of blood vessels, coronary arteries, and the risk of myocardial infarction in this case is increased.

This is why LDL cholesterol is called "bad". The norms of LDL and VLDL are increased - this is where the causes of cardiovascular diseases lie.

HDL (high-density lipoproteins) also transport cholesterol in the blood, but being part of HDL, the substance does not participate in the formation of plaques. In fact, the activity of the proteins that make up HDL is to remove excess cholesterol from the tissues of the body. It is this quality that determines the name of this cholesterol: “good”.

If the levels of HDL (high density lipoproteins) in human blood are increased, the risk of cardiovascular disease is negligible. is another term for fats. Fats are the most important source of energy and HDL takes this into account.

Partially, triglycerides enter the body with fats along with food. If the body receives an excess amount of carbohydrates, fats and alcohol, then the calories, respectively, are much higher than normal.

In this case, the production of an additional amount of triglycerides begins, which means that it affects HDL.

Triglycerides are transported into cells by the same lipoproteins that deliver cholesterol. There is a direct relationship between the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and high triglyceride levels, especially if the HDL level is below normal.

What needs to be done

1. If possible, partially eliminate fatty foods from the diet. If the concentration of fat in dietary energy is reduced to 30%, and the proportion of saturated fat remains less than 7%, such a change will be a significant contribution to achieving the norm of cholesterol in the blood. There is no need to completely eliminate fat from the diet.
2. Oils and saturated fats should be replaced with polyunsaturated ones, such as soybean, olive, safflower, sunflower, corn oils. The consumption of foods rich in saturated fats should be reduced to a minimum. They raise LDL and VLDL levels higher than any other food component. All animal, some vegetable (palm and coconut oil) and hydrogenated fats are highly saturated fats.
3. Do not eat foods that contain trans fats. They are part of the hydrogenated and the danger with them is higher for the heart than with saturated fats. The manufacturer indicates all information about trans fats on the product packaging.

Important! You need to stop eating foods that contain cholesterol. To limit the intake of "bad" (LDL and VLDL) cholesterol in the body, it is enough to refuse fatty foods (especially saturated fats).

Otherwise, LDL will be significantly higher than normal.

Foods with high cholesterol:

• eggs;
• whole milk;
• crustaceans;
• shellfish;
• animal organs, in particular the liver.

The analysis confirms that the consumption of plant fiber contributes to lower cholesterol levels.

Sources of plant fiber:

1. carrot;
2. pears;
3. apples;
4. peas;
5. dried beans;
6. barley;
7. oats.

It is advisable to get rid of extra pounds on the body if the weight is much higher than normal. It is in people with obesity that cholesterol levels are most often elevated. If you try to lose 5-10 kg, this will have a significant impact on the cholesterol index and facilitate treatment, which will also be shown by a blood test.

Equally important is physical activity. It plays a big role in keeping the heart working well. To do this, you can start running, cycling, take a subscription to the pool for swimming. After the start of classes, any blood test will show that cholesterol is no longer elevated.

Even elementary climbing stairs (the higher the better) and gardening will have a beneficial effect on the whole body and in particular on lowering cholesterol.

Smoking should be given up once and for all. In addition to the fact that addiction harms the heart and blood vessels, it also raises cholesterol levels above normal. After 20 years and older, an analysis for cholesterol levels must be taken at least once every 5 years.

How the analysis is done

Lipoprotein profile (as the analysis is called) is an indicator of the concentration of total cholesterol, HDL (high density lipoprotein), LDL, VLDL and triglycerides.

For the indicators to be objective, the analysis should be carried out on an empty stomach. With age, the norm of cholesterol changes, the indicator will be increased in any case.

This process is especially noticeable in women during menopause. In addition, there is a hereditary tendency to hypercholesterolemia.

Therefore, it does not hurt to ask your relatives about their cholesterol indicators (if such an analysis was carried out), to find out if all the indicators are above the norm.

Treatment

If the level of cholesterol in the blood is elevated, this is a provoking factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. This means that in order to achieve a decrease in this indicator in a patient and prescribe the correct treatment, the doctor must take into account all the reasons, which include:

• high blood pressure;
• smoking;
• the presence of heart disease in close relatives;
• age of the patient (men over 45, women over 55);
• HDL index is lowered (≤ 40).

For some patients, medication will be required, that is, the appointment of drugs that reduce blood lipid levels. But even when taking medications, one should not forget about observing the right diet and physical activity.

Today, there are all kinds of drugs that help maintain the correct indicators of lipid metabolism. Adequate treatment will be selected by an endocrinologist.