The norm of cholesterol in the blood of men. Indicators of cholesterol in the blood

Quite often a family doctor (or a physician of another specialty) appoints a blood test for cholesterol. It is this indicator, together with the level of sugar in the blood serum, that are especially relevant for patients over 45 years of age. However, not everyone understands what cholesterol is and why it is in the body. In this article we will try to understand: what is this compound, what is the norm of cholesterol in the blood.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol, or, as it is more correctly called, cholesterol is a lipid (fat), Which plays an important role in the functioning of the body. Such an important role is due to its entry into the composition of cell membranes. It is the basic compound from which steroid and sex hormones are synthesized. In addition, such an important role of cholesterol is characteristic not only for the human body, but also for animals and some plants.

Literally the name of this compound consists of two words: "chole" - bile and "steros" - solid. This name is due to the high concentration of this substance in the bile, as well as the ability to easily form a precipitate, which is the initial manifestation of atherosclerosis.

The importance of cholesterol for the body

First of all, it is worth noting the important role of cholesterol as a structural element of cell membranes. It ensures sustainability and selective The permeability of the cell membrane to various, both useful and harmful substances. Cholesterol is the basic basis for steroid and sex hormones (cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone, testosterone). Cholesterol is an integral part of bile and takes part in the transport of fatty acids to the liver as part of chylomicrons. The formation of vitamin D is stimulated by sunlight, as well as a sufficient amount of cholesterol in the blood. Nerve fibers, and in particular a compound - sphingomyelin, are synthesized in the body in sufficient quantities in the presence of cholesterol.

Transport Forms

Circulation of cholesterol in the blood can be carried out as part of 3 types of lipoproteins. Lipoprotein is literally translated as "fatty protein", is a special transport component, which is synthesized in the liver.

Lipoproteins of very low density (VLDL) carry fatty acids, glycerin, cholesterol to adipose tissue and all organs. This name is due to a relatively small percentage of cholesterol in the carrier protein with the predominance of just simple lipids. After lipoproteins have reached these tissues, fatty acids are exchanged, and the relative proportion of cholesterol in the vector is increased. Therefore, it is called low-density lipoprotein (LDL), since it is more "heavy" in molecular weight. This form is the most dangerous and is called "bad cholesterol". The rate of development of atherosclerosis depends on the amount and time of circulation in the bloodstream, with all the ensuing complications. Specific antidote proteins are high-density lipoproteins (HDL), which contain specific compounds, which allows them to capture cholesterol. They classify cholesterol back into the liver, where it is excreted out of the bile.

Another important component is triglycerides, or already mentioned fatty acids. Their concentration, although not so much affects the development of atherosclerosis, but it is important in the development of lipomatosis (lipid dystrophy of internal organs).

What is the norm of cholesterol in the blood

After examination of the patient, the doctor usually gives a direction to the lipidogram. This survey includes the indicators described above and allows you to determine the likelihood and progressiveness of atherosclerosis.

The patient on an empty stomach gives a blood test. The norm of cholesterol for women and men is the same and ranges from 3.6 to 6.2 mmol / l. Under such conditions, the probability of developing atherosclerotic plaques is minimal. For a more accurate assessment, the table below shows the cholesterol in the blood, which allows you to orientate in small fluctuations of this indicator depending on age.

If the cholesterol level in your blood exceeds the value of 6.2 mmol / l, then talk about moderately high cholesterol. If the blood test shows 7.8 mmol / l and more - this is a very high level.

What is the norm of cholesterol in the blood for patients who have suffered a heart attack or stroke? The European Society for Combating Atherosclerosis recommends reducing the upper limit to 5.2 mmol / l.

Lipidogram indices are included in the biochemical analysis and show the level of cholesterol in the blood. The norm of cholesterol-containing transport proteins is indicated below.

The norm of cholesterol in the blood of men is a very important indicator that must be known and maintained within acceptable limits for the prevention of stroke or myocardial infarction.

Causes of high cholesterol

To raise the bar of cholesterol in the blood can several factors:

• An unbalanced diet containing foods rich in cholesterol (fatty meats, red meat, hard cheeses, lard, confectionery and others);
• Hypodynamia or limited mobility contributes to the accumulation of fats and cholesterol in the blood and tissues. Increased activity or physical work contributes to the "burning" of fat and a decrease in the concentration of cholesterol;
• Overweight is a provocateur of not only many diseases, but also contributes to increasing levels of LDL and triglycerides in the blood;
• Bad habits (smoking and alcohol) contribute to changes in the vascular wall, which becomes more sensitive to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques;
• Some diseases. To this group include diabetes, arterial hypertension, kidney disease and hypothyroidism;
• Genetic predisposition. Medicine knows 4 forms of pathology of lipid metabolism, which are called dyslipoproteinemia. With such violations, there is insufficient synthesis of HDL and excessive formation of LDL, which provokes an increase in cholesterol;
• The influence of age and sex. Men often have elevated blood cholesterol levels. The norm of the indicator slightly increases with age.

How is increased cholesterol

Specific or specific typical symptoms in such a patient is not observed. To conduct a measurement of cholesterol in the blood, you need to donate blood from the vein to a biochemical analysis. Elevated blood cholesterol levels may indicate the development of angina pectoris, the appearance of atherosclerosis, the occurrence of ischemic brain disorders, the appearance and increase in size of xanthomas and xantelasm, which are the deposits of neutral fat in certain areas of the skin.

Risks of high cholesterol

The greatest risk is associated with the cardiovascular system. High levels of cholesterol in the blood cause the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on the inner surface of the vessels. Over time, such formations increase in size and may overlap the lumen of the vessels. Then there is a clinical picture of atherosclerosis, which most often affects the wall of the arteries of the lower limbs, brain and heart. With obliterating disease with localization on the lower extremities, patients note chilliness and numbness of the feet, a decrease in the duration of walking, the appearance of trophic skin changes. The maintained norm of cholesterol in the blood in men prevents the occurrence of this pathology. If the heart is affected, then angina develops first, and subsequently myocardial infarction may occur. When the cerebral vessels are damaged , the risk of developing a stroke increases, which is difficult to treat.

We treat high cholesterol

Traditional medicine distinguishes several groups of drugs that are aimed at inhibiting the synthesis and assimilation of cholesterol. These drugs are most statins. These compounds block a special enzyme - HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a major role in the synthesis of cholesterol. Preparations can be purchased in Any pharmacy and at various prices, which depends on the manufacturer. The most common are simvastatin and atorvastatin. Aspirin in a dose of 75-100 mg has the ability to thin the blood and thus reduces the possibility of plaque formation. Preparations to reduce triglycerides are aimed at inhibiting the absorption of fats in the intestine or facilitating their excretion from the body. They are less effective than statins, and are used as additional agents (fibrates, guaric acid). Niacin (or its other name vitamin B3) will help to lower the concentration of LDL in the blood and improve the vascular tone somewhat.

Drugs for the treatment of hypertension play a secondary role and are used to prevent the detachment of plaques and the development of serious complications - infarction and stroke, which is especially important for the strong half of humanity. The norm of cholesterol in the blood in men will help prevent the occurrence of the above complications.

Diet

In such patients, the doctor recommends diet No. 10c for Pevzner. It provides for a decrease in the content of easily digestible carbohydrates and animal fats, restricts consumption Salt and nitrogen extractives. It is recommended to enrich the diet with so-called lipotropic compounds and essential fatty acids, fiber, and sea products. Food is taken 5-6 times a day. It is necessary to completely exclude products made from pastry, cakes, fatty meat, sausages, canned food, smoked products. Also undesirable are fatty fish, egg yolks, rice, legumes and broths. Lovers of sweet should significantly limit the use of products from creams, ice cream, chocolate.

Plants for fighting cholesterol

The greatest activity against "bad cholesterol" is the Caucasian dioscorea. The drug on its basis - "Polispanin" helps normalize the lipid spectrum of the blood while dieting. Also reduce cholesterol in the blood of a person can: black elder, silver silverback, upright and goose, elecampane, hawthorn, motherwort, calf. Preparations based on garlic also have anti-atherogenic effects. Most often in pharmacies you can find "Alistat", which take 1 tablet 2 times a day. The norm of cholesterol in the blood of men can be maintained by following a diet and one or two herbal preparations that have an anti-atherogenic effect.