1 The role of matter in the body

There is an opinion that cholesterol is very harmful to health. According to its content in the blood it is customary to judge human health. Recently, various diets and techniques have appeared that limit or completely exclude the use of products containing cholesterol, such as yolk of eggs, butter, beef liver, and the like. However, this opinion is erroneous.

Indeed, cholesterol in large quantities can harm human health. But completely exclude it from the functioning of the body can not. Cholesterol is an organic compound contained in cell membranes of almost all living organisms. Entering the body with food or synthesized in it yourself, it plays an important role in the metabolism of fats. This lipophilic alcohol substance actively participates in the production of vitamin D, in the process of constructing cell membranes and the synthesis of bile acids in the liver. Due to cholesterol in the adrenal glands, steroid( including sex) hormones are synthesized. Given the importance of this substance in the realization of the normal functioning of the human body, cholesterol should not be disposed of, but only its content in the blood.

2 Types of cholesterol and their effects

Doctors share "harmful" and "useful" cholesterol. By "harmful" form is meant a low-density lipoprotein form. It is these lipoproteins with a small molecular mass that can penetrate the arterial membranes, thereby forming cholesterol deposits. These atherosclerotic formations lead to the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. With the formation of such lipoprotein accumulations in the heart there is a risk of myocardial infarction. If plaques appear in the human brain, this can lead to a cerebral stroke.

Unlike low-density lipoprotein, "useful" cholesterol has a positive effect on the human body. Lipoprotein with high density improves metabolic processes, helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins, and also regulates the synthesis of sex hormones. This kind of cholesterol is involved in the conversion of light rays into a useful vitamin D.

High-density lipoprotein does not form fatty plaques. On the contrary, this "useful" cholesterol strengthens the walls of the arteries and protects them from damage. A "good" type of lipoprotein is produced exclusively by the body itself. To get it with food, unfortunately, is impossible.

As a result of studies, the composition of lipoproteins and their ratio - the coefficient of atherogenicity is determined. Imbalance of these indicators indicates a violation of lipid processes in the body.

3 Normal indices

The total cholesterol in the blood consists of high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and a number of other lipid components, including triglycerides. The high content of the latter in the blood is highly undesirable.

An analysis that determines the level and variety of cholesterol is called the lipid spectrum of the blood.

The normal level of cholesterol in the blood varies depending on the age and sex of the person. In a newborn child, the cholesterol level in the blood does not exceed 3.0 mmol / l. Further, depending on gender, this indicator will change. Thus, in women the concentration of this substance rises more slowly than in men, but it increases sharply after the onset of menopause. On average, the normal level ranges from 3.6 mmol / L to 7.8 mmol / L.

Special attention should be given to the value of the low density lipoprotein index in this analysis. The figure above 2.5 mmol / l is not the norm. In this case, it is necessary to reduce this figure. This is especially true for people with cardiovascular diseases.

The triglyceride level should not exceed 2.3 mmol / l. Its high content may indicate diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis, obesity or hypertension.

4 Carrying out research and deciphering the results of

A blood test for cholesterol helps determine the so-called lipid status of a person. Such a procedure is done in laboratories. Venous blood is taken for analysis.

There are a number of indications for this analysis. These include various pathologies of the endocrine system, the prerequisites for atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, ischemia, kidney and liver disease, and the like.

The blood test for lipid level detection requires some preliminary preparation, namely:

1. Blood must be taken in the morning on an empty stomach.
2. It is advisable to take no food before taking blood( approximately 8-12 hours).
3. Completely eliminate alcohol for a few days before sampling the analysis.
4. Do not smoke at least an hour before the examination.
5. Exclude 24 hours before the analysis of increased physical activity.
6. Eliminate the intake of fatty foods 24-48 hours prior to analysis.
7. You should inform your doctor and laboratory assistant about taking any medications.

The content of lipoproteins in the blood is measured in mg / dl or in mmol / l. The normal index of lipoprotein may differ for different laboratories. In any case, its value is higher than 5.2 mmol / l( according to some data - above 6 mmol / l) indicates a violation of fat metabolism in the body and requires a more thorough examination of the patient. In such cases, a detailed blood test is performed - a lipogram.

To maintain the level of cholesterol is normal, you must adhere to proper nutrition and exercise.