Krympress reports:
Cholesterol norm in men and women -This is one of the most important indicators that reflect the general condition of the cardiovascular system and metabolism. Cholesterol plays a key role in the body, participating in the synthesis of hormones, vitamin D and the construction of cell membranes. However, in case of violations of lipid metabolism, its level can go beyond the norm, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke. In order to identify such violations in a timely manner, an analysis called lipid profile is used.
What is cholesterol and why it is needed
Cholesterol is a fat -like substance that is partially produced by the liver, and partially enters the body with food. It does not dissolve in the blood, therefore it is transported in the form of lipoproteins — protein compounds with fats. There are several main types of lipoproteins:
- LDL (low density lipoproteins) — the so -called «bad cholesterol», an excess of which can accumulate on the walls of blood vessels.
- HDL (high density lipoproteins) — “good cholesterol”, which is involved in the transportation of excess cholesterol into the liver for processing.
- Triglycerides are another type of fat that the body uses to store energy.
Violation of the balance between these components can lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is important to understand how to evaluate a lipid profile and what does its decoding mean.
What is included in the lipid profile
Lipid profile (or lipidogram) is a laboratory study that allows you to evaluate the content of various types of lipids in the blood. Usually it includes the following indicators:
- General cholesterol (OKS) — the total number of all lipids.
- LDL (low -tight lipoproteins) — the main carrier of cholesterol to the tissues.
- HDL (high -seal lipoproteins) — contribute to the «cleansing» of blood vessels.
- Triglycerides are an indicator of fat reserves in the body.
- The atherogenicity coefficient is the ratio of “bad” and “good” cholesterol, which allows to evaluate the risk of atherosclerosis.
Additionally, an extended profile may include:
- LOPP (very low density lipoproteins).
- Apoproteins a and b are proteins associated with HDL and LDL.
- Lipoprotein (a) is a inherited component that increases the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Normal cholesterol
Cholesterol standards can vary depending on the age, gender and the presence of concomitant diseases. Below are indicative norms:
| Indicator | The norm for men | Norm for women |
|---|---|---|
| General cholesterol | 3.6–5.2 mmol/l | 3.6–5.2 mmol/l |
| LDL | <3.0 mmol/l | <3.0 mmol/l |
| LDP | > 1.0 mmol/l | > 1.2 mmol/l |
| Triglycerides | <1.7 mmol/l | <1.5 mmol/l |
| Atherogenicity coefficient | <3.0-3.5 | <3.0 |
When and how to take an analysis
Indications for conducting a lipidogram:
- Age older than 40 years is for all people, regardless of gender.
- The presence of risk factors: smoking, obesity, hypertension, diabetes.
- Heredity in cardiovascular diseases.
- Control of therapy with hyalipidemic agents (for example, statins).
- Chronic diseases of the liver, kidneys, endocrine system.
The analysis is taken strictly on an empty stomach — at least 10-12 hours after the last meal. A day before the analysis, it is recommended to exclude alcohol, fatty foods and intensive physical activity.
How often you need to check the lipid profile
The frequency of delivery of the analysis depends on the general state of health and the presence of risk factors:
- Healthy people without risk factors — once every 4-6 years after 20 years.
- Persons with border or increased indicators — 1 time in 1-2 years.
- Patients with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension-at least 1 time per year.
- When taking drugs to reduce cholesterol — as prescribed by a doctor, sometimes every 3-6 months.
Regular control allows you to timely adjust treatment and reduce the risk of complications.
In what diseases is especially important lipid profile control
Lipid profile control is necessary not only for diagnosis, but also for monitoring a number of chronic conditions. These include:
Atherosclerosis
The main cause of cardiovascular disasters. Cholesterol accumulates on the walls of blood vessels, forming plaques, narrowing the clearance of arteries.
Coronary heart disease (coronary heart disease), heart attack, angina pectoris
It is extremely important for patients with already established heart diseases to maintain LDL at the target level — below 1.8 mmol/l.
Arterial hypertension
High pressure is often accompanied by a violation of lipid metabolism, especially with excess body weight.
Diabetes
Diabetics belong to the category of high and very high cardiovascular risk. They often have increased triglycerides and reduced LDP.
Obesity and metabolic syndrome
Excess weight is one of the main factors provoking a violation of lipid metabolism. In such patients, it is especially important to reduce triglycerides and increase LDP.
Liver and thyroid disease
The liver is involved in cholesterol synthesis, so its diseases can distort the lipid profile. With hypothyroidism, the level of LDL often increases.
What to do with deviations from the norm
If the lipid profile goes beyond the limits of reference values, the doctor prescribes an individual action plan. He may include:
- Food correction: reducing the use of saturated fats, exclusion of trans fats, increasing fiber, introducing products into the diet with omega-3 fatty acids.
- Increasing physical activity: at least 150 minutes of moderate loads per week.
- Refusal of bad habits: especially smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- weight control and weight loss in the presence of obesity.
- Drug therapy: statins, fibrates, cholesterol absorption inhibitors and other drugs.
Self -medication is unacceptable — each drug has indications and contraindications.
Doctors emphasize: lipid profile control is an important step in the prevention and early detection of heart disease and blood vessels. The norm of cholesterol in men and women is not just numbers, but a guideline for a long and healthy life. Timely diagnosis, a healthy lifestyle and compliance with the doctor’s recommendations will help to avoid many problems and maintain health for many years.
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