In the blood plasma of any person, you can always find total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, as well as one or more specific proteins inherent in each particular organism. Among all this list of many worries, of course, cholesterol, which, in fact, is the lipid spectrum of blood. Physicians divide it into lipoproteins of different levels of density (high, low and very low). Lipoproteins are, in terms of chemical structure, protein-fatty compounds that can dissolve in water and consist of cholesterol, proteins and phospholipids proper.
What are lipoproteins of different levels of density?
To be afraid of a person is very low density lipoproteins, which the liver produces, it is they that can cause atherosclerosis. Low-density lipoproteins from total cholesterol account for about 60 to 70 percent. This group of lipoproteins can cause various cardiovascular diseases. But they are not so bad, they, like transport, carry lipids in peripheral blood. The most useful are high-density lipoproteins, they are the guardians of the body and protect it from the development of atherosclerosis. These lipoproteins transport cholesterol from the tissues back to the liver, where bile is then formed from it. The higher this fraction of lipoproteins, the less chance a person has of getting atherosclerosis.
Note
The lipid spectrum of the blood, which is directly monitored, includes low and high density lipoproteins. It is on their balance that the risk of developing heart and vascular diseases depends. In fact if cholesterol becomes more, with it it is necessary to struggle. But do not be zealous, because this is a useful substance that is consumed by the body for the construction of cell walls, it produces bile, which helps to break down fats. Surprisingly, cholesterol synthesizes hormones, steroid and sex. That is why it is important to monitor the lipid spectrum and monitor the correlation of different groups of lipoproteins.
When is it worth to pass the analysis?
To think about giving blood costs when developing symptoms of atherosclerosis, heart disease, for example, ischemic disease or heart attack. And also when there are problems with the liver and kidneys, endocrine diseases such as diabetes mellitus or reduced thyroid function. Deciphering the lipid spectrum becomes possible with the delivery of blood, from which the plasma is then removed. It is she who will tell about the correlation of "good" and "bad" lipoproteins in a person.
The blood should be taken on an empty stomach, must pass at least 14 hours after the last meal. One day before the proposed study, it is better to completely abandon the fats in the diet, then the analysis will be much more accurate. You can drink tea, juice, but from tobacco will have to give up for a while.
In search of the norm
Having received the analysis, it is worthwhile to interpret it correctly, and an expert can do it. But even a simple man in the street can dexterously figure out the answer he received from the laboratory. If it says that lipoproteins of high density have been raised, and low and very low are within the limits of the norm, then it is worth rejoicing that such an analysis was handed in: the lipid spectrum in it is simply in an ideal state. If low-density lipoproteins have gone beyond the lower limits of the norm, then, most likely, the transport function of lipids is disrupted in the body . But if the index of low and very low density lipoproteins exceeds the figure of 3.37 mmol / l, then do not wait, the risk of developing atherosclerosis is large enough, and it should be ruthless struggle.
The increase in the lipoprotein index may become a serious cause of coronary heart disease, especially if it has crossed the level of 4.14 mmol / l. A cardiologist will help reduce the atherogenic factors and thereby level the lipid spectrum. The norms of different fractions of cholesterol can differ depending on sex and age, and in each period of life they are different. This is also taken into account by the doctor when diagnosing and prescribing treatment.
Proper nutrition
An important factor that affects the lipid spectrum of blood plasma is nutrition. It is from the fact that a person is, and depends on the prevalence of certain lipoproteins. Of course, to consume fats is worth, without them the body will not live, and hormones can cause problems, but in nutrition, as in any other matter, the most important is not to overdo it. Food is a load on the body, and periodically it is worth resting. Such a holiday can be a day of rest, it is very useful when the body receives only vegetables and fruits throughout the day, as well as freshly squeezed juices. Doing such days is best not more often than once a week, during the day of unloading the body can use up its own cholesterol reserves.
Prevention will not hurt
Check your lipid spectrum and you can just do it for prevention. In this case, it becomes known for certain, it is worth worrying about the risk of developing atherosclerosis or not. The doctor prescribes the analysis, but the patient himself, turning to a private laboratory, can easily pass it. It's only behind the interpretation and help that it is best to consult a specialist and get professional advice.