Rules for taking cholesterol tests and their full explanation. All about cholesterol: normal blood levels, tips and recommendations on how to reduce What is the name of a blood test for cholesterol

To monitor your health, periodic monitoring of your cholesterol levels is necessary. Not proper nutrition, hereditary predisposition, and a number of diseases can change the concentration of the substance in the blood.

This indicator is not always dangerous. To understand the situation, it is necessary to reveal the issue in more detail.

Cholesterol - what is it?

Cholesterol (cholesterol) is an organic compound (fat-like substance) that is present in cell membranes Oh. More than 80% is synthesized by the body, the remaining 20% ​​comes from food.

Cholesterol plays a role in the functioning of the body. It is necessary for the production of vitamin D, seratonin, some hormones, and bile acids. There is a relationship between human health and cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol is in relationship with transporter proteins. Their combination is called lipoproteins.

Depending on this, they distinguish:

1. Low density lipoproteins - considered bad cholesterol. They are slightly soluble and can form plaques on the walls of blood vessels, which increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
2. Lipoproteins high density considered good cholesterol. They dissolve and do not form atherosclerotic plaques. Their reduced content, on the contrary, increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. HDL helps lower LDL.
3. Very low density lipoproteins are composed almost entirely of fat. They are similar to LDL.

Factors that contribute to an increase in LDL include:

• overweight;
• eating foods high in trans fats and carbohydrates;
• cardiovascular diseases;
• smoking;
• liver disease, incl. bile stagnation;
• some kidney diseases;
• diabetes.

With age, rates may increase. When interpreting the results, the gender of the patient is also taken into account. So, during menopause, cholesterol levels can fall, and after it LDL can increase. Heredity also plays an important role.

Genes may partly determine the level of cholesterol the body produces. In some cases increased performance are a hereditary factor. When taking medications systematically, an increase in the concentration of the substance may be observed.

Reasons for lowering cholesterol:

• stressful situations;
• wrong diets;
• impaired absorption of food;
• liver diseases;
• presence of anemia;
• lipid metabolism disorder.

The normal level of cholesterol in the blood

In the blood serum, the analysis determines cholesterol and three indicators - LDL, HDL, VLDL. Total cholesterol is the total number of the listed indicators. Its level is measured in mg/dL or mol/L.

Indicators of no more than 5.2 mmol/l are considered normal. Further, with data up to 6.5 mmol/l, moderate hypercholesterolemia is diagnosed.

With indicators up to 7.8, the condition is classified as severe hypercholesterolemia. If the level exceeds 7.85 mmol/l - very high hypercholesterolemia.

Indicator standards:

1. Total cholesterol -< 5.3 ммоль/л.
2. Normal HDL level– from 1.2 mmol/l.
3. Normal LDL level– from 2.5 to 4.3 mmol/l.

Note! For people with (or at high risk of) cardiovascular disease, the rates may be slightly different.

Elevated cholesterol may be a cause various diseases, and an autonomous risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis, disorders cerebral circulation. Decreased readings may indicate the presence infectious disease, hyperthyroidism, intestinal disorders(absorption problem).

General rules for preparing for testing

Laboratory tests are considered the most reliable method that allows you to determine the condition and, if necessary, begin therapy.

To obtain reliable data, the patient must follow the rules for preparing for testing. This will provide an accurate clinical picture. How to properly prepare for donating blood for cholesterol?

The list of requirements for blood tests is as follows:

1. Donate blood only on an empty stomach. All indicators tend to change during the day. The morning analysis most accurately reflects the picture. All laboratory standards are established specifically for these indicators.
2. In the morning before the test, avoid drinking any drinks - juices, tea, coffee. Only water is allowed as it does not affect the results.
3. The time between laboratory testing and food intake is at least 12 hours.
4. Avoid drinking alcohol for a day or two.
5. For a few days you should not change your usual daily routine, but physical activity worth refusing.
6. Do not smoke for two hours before the procedure.
7. They do not take tests during menstruation.
8. All blood tests are carried out before fluorography/radiography and ultrasound diagnostics; a few days before, exclude all physical procedures, visits to the solarium and cosmetic procedures.
9. When taking medications, the patient informs the laboratory technician.
10. Half an hour before the procedure, you need to sit down and relax; immediately after arriving at the laboratory, you should not immediately take the test.

Taking a cholesterol test is a significant measure for health control. To detect pathology in a timely manner, it is recommended to conduct blood testing annually. A cholesterol test is carried out two weeks after discontinuation of drugs that reduce lipid concentrations. When determining the effectiveness of medication, this condition is not taken into account.

When preparing for a cholesterol test, follow these guidelines: general rules. The study is performed only on an empty stomach. . For several days, foods containing cholesterol, fried and fatty foods are excluded from the diet. These include sausage, scrambled eggs, canned food, rich broths, etc.

What to do if the readings are elevated?

At increased concentration LDL treatment is carried out with medication, traditional methods. Depending on the clinical picture and manifestations of the disease, the doctor may prescribe the following drugs: statins; medications that stimulate bile excretion; niacin; fibrates.

In case of a previous heart attack/stroke, in the presence of cardiovascular disease or diabetes, the patient is prescribed medications. Treatment is combined with a properly formulated diet and exercise.

Proper nutrition and exercise can normalize cholesterol.

Use following products can also stabilize the situation:

• sea ​​fish - contains polyunsaturated acids that destroy LDL;
• cereals are rich in fiber, which removes harmful substances;
• fruits and vegetables - also contain fiber, which provides good cleansing;
• citrus fruits - strengthen blood vessels and prevent the formation of plaques.

If you have high cholesterol, you should temporarily limit the consumption of the following products: mayonnaise, margarine, full-fat sour cream, butter, cream, ice cream, fried foods, scrambled eggs, semi-finished and canned foods, lard, liver, fast food.

LDL can be influenced by folk remedies. Licorice root is often used to solve the problem. Decoctions based on it are taken three times a day for three weeks.

Hawthorn tincture is also effective in lowering cholesterol levels. Take a spoonful three times a day for three weeks.

Powder from linden inflorescences is intended to normalize blood counts. Use one teaspoon for three weeks. Nutritionists advise drinking green tea with lemon. The drink has a good effect on blood vessels and reduces LDL.

Video material about ways to reduce blood cholesterol:

What to do if you have low cholesterol?

According to statistics, people are more likely to have high cholesterol. But low rates are no less dangerous and need to be corrected. In case of minor deviations from the norm, it is necessary to fill the diet with cholesterol-containing foods. These include: eggs, liver, cheeses, butter, milk. Omega-3-rich foods are also introduced, and the consumption of alcohol, baked goods and sugar is reduced.

A month after changing your diet, you will need to retake the test. If the reading is low again, you should consult a doctor. It is he who will decide the issue further treatment based on the diagnosis. Based on the cause, the correct treatment is selected - in each situation it will be completely different. On initial stage a low indicator rises with the help of nutrition and moderate physical activity.

Traditional medicine offers its own methods to solve the problem. The most common is considered carrot diet. Freshly squeezed juice is consumed several times a day for a month. You can add celery or parsley to the drink.

Beet juice is a support for the liver and gall bladder, to normalize their work. It will also help you get out of cholesterol minus. You need to drink half a glass of juice twice a day. The recommended course is a month. Thistle infusion helps normalize blood counts. The elixir also helps eliminate toxins and improve liver function.

Where to take the study?

You can take a cholesterol test:

• in the laboratory of the clinic if there is a referral from a therapist;
• in a private diagnostic center;
• in an independent laboratory;
• use the “tests at home” service.

Important! Before taking the test, the patient must prepare properly. Compliance with all recommendations guarantees the reliability of the results.

Cholesterol – important substance, which is involved in the functioning of the body. Each person needs to maintain an optimal value and periodically monitor LDL levels. Folk recipes, proper nutrition, medications will help bring the indicators back to normal.

Even people far from medicine have heard about such a disease as atherosclerosis. It develops in every fifth inhabitant of the planet and is associated with disorders of fat metabolism in the body. Atherosclerosis has many clinical manifestations: headache and dizziness, impaired memory and concentration processes, chilliness and numbness of the limbs, periodic pain in the heart. Despite this, the symptoms of the disease are often ignored by patients, and are diagnosed only after the diagnosis. This important diagnostic test will help you understand big picture the state of fat metabolism in the body, and take timely measures to eliminate the disease.

Let's consider what a biochemical study can show, how to correctly donate blood into fractions, features of the lipid profile, and what you need to pay attention to when interpreting the analysis.

Cholesterol and its fractions: biological role in the body

Cholesterol (cholesterol) in its own way chemical structure is a fatty alcohol. Most of it (70-80%) is synthesized in liver cells and is called endogenous, a small amount (20-30%) comes with food.

The biological role of this substance in the body is enormous: it is part of the bioplasmic membranes of cells, giving them rigidity and elasticity, and is their stabilizer; regulates the permeability of cell walls; participates in the synthesis of steroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands; serves as the basis for the formation of bile acids - active participants digestive process; lines nerve fibers for their protection and better conductivity; protects blood cells from the action of damaging substances and hemolytic poisons.

Since this fatty alcohol is insoluble in water, it moves through the bloodstream as part of special carrier proteins - apolipoproteins. Depending on the density of cholesterol, several types of lipoproteins are distinguished:

1. – the lowest molecular weight fraction, containing up to 85% triglycerides and a small amount of cholesterol. These large fat accumulations have difficulty moving through the vessels and easily settle on their inner wall.
2. – – along with chylomicrons, belong to the triglyceride-rich fraction of fats in the body.
3. – low-density lipoproteins are the most atherogenic class of fats formed from VLDL as a result of lipolysis. Often called “bad” cholesterol due to its ability to be deposited on the inner wall of blood vessels and form atherosclerotic plaques.
4. HDL - high-density lipoproteins - are the smallest fat particles in which the protein content is much higher than the concentration of cholesterol. Due to its anti-atherogenic properties and ability to clear blood vessels of plaque, HDL is called “good” cholesterol.

Thus, VLDL and LDL ensure the transport of cholesterol from the liver to the periphery. It is an increase in their concentration that leads to the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. HDL in turn carries fat cells to the liver for further disposal. With atherosclerosis, a decrease in this fraction is observed.

Chylomicrons are absent in the body of a healthy person and are formed only when there are disorders of fat metabolism.

Preparing for a laboratory blood test

How to take a blood test for cholesterol so that it is as reliable as possible? Of course, the result largely depends on the quality of the equipment used in the laboratory. But the patient’s condition can also affect the results of the examination.

No special training is provided, but doctors note the need to follow the following recommendations:

1. Take the test in the morning on an empty stomach: from 8 to 10 o’clock all biochemical processes in the body are more active.
2. Do not eat for 10-12 hours before the examination: it is important that your last meal the night before is no later than 20:00. It is optimal if dinner is at 18-19 hours.
3. If you feel thirsty in the morning on the day of the examination, only plain water(without gas and additives).
4. Eat as usual for two weeks before donating blood: there is no need to follow a specific diet, as the test result will be unreliable.
5. Do not drink alcohol at least 24 hours before going to the laboratory.
6. Don't smoke at least 60 minutes before analysis.
7. It is advisable to exclude exhausting physical activity and psycho-emotional experiences the day before the study.
8. If you walked quickly to the clinic or had to climb the stairs, it is recommended to sit down for 10-15 minutes and calm down before taking blood.
9. If you also have other plans on this day diagnostic measures and manipulations (X-ray examination, ultrasound, visit to the doctor), it is better to carry them out after donating blood for analysis.
10. Be sure to tell your doctor if you need to take any medications on a regular basis. The specialist will tell you how to prepare for the analysis in this case and will take into account the effect of the drugs when interpreting the examination results.

Biochemical blood test: basic health indicators

Biochemical analysis – available method complex diagnostics problems human body, during which the main indicators of protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as assessment of the functioning of internal organs.

For research, 2-5 ml is taken from a person venous blood. The biomaterial is then labeled accordingly and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

• Determination of cholesterol. During a biochemical blood test, only the concentration of total cholesterol is determined - the total reflection of all its fractions. Normally, its level fluctuates depending on the age and gender of a person, but on average it is 3.2-5.6 mmol/l. An increase in cholesterol levels in the body is a serious threat that provokes the development of atherosclerosis and other metabolic disorders.
• Total blood protein. Total protein is another summary indicator that reflects the state of protein metabolism. During the survey it is calculated total number proteins in all fractions. Normal analysis values ​​are 66-83 g/l. If total protein in the body decreases, serious disturbances in the functioning of the liver and kidneys can be suspected. An increase in its concentration often indicates inflammation. Protein levels can also influence the development of atherosclerosis, since this substance is involved in the transport of cholesterol molecules throughout the vascular bed.
• Urea and creatinine. These indicators are considered together and reflect the functioning of the kidneys in the body. The normal level of urea is 2.5-8.3 mmol/l, creatinine is 44-106 µmol/l. However, their increase is observed not only with pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis or chronic renal failure, but also with impaired lipid metabolism. An increase in the concentration of creatinine and urea in the absence of kidney disease may indicate atherosclerosis.

Methods of measurement in blood serum

In addition to biochemical analysis, there are several ways to measure cholesterol levels in the blood. Let's consider their features and scope of application.

Portable biochemical analyzer - express diagnostic method

Determining cholesterol concentration using a portable biochemical analyzer is the fastest and most convenient method for diagnosing lipid metabolism disorders.

The analyzer is a small battery-powered device. Complete with it are supplied, which are used to measure: cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, lactic acid. The test procedure is very simple: medical worker or the patient pierces the tip ring finger with a lancet and carefully touches the tip of the test strip inserted into the device to the drop of blood. After 180 seconds, the result is ready, which is displayed on a large display. Conveniently, the device stores more than 100 previous results to monitor the course of the disease.

Cholesterol testing using a portable analyzer is usually performed during screening preventive examinations, in pre-hospital clinics and for express diagnostics of acute conditions.

Advantages of the method: possibility; low invasiveness, only a small drop of blood is needed for examination; Ease of use; no reagent calibration required; high measurement accuracy. Disadvantages of the method: high cost of the analyzer, probability of error if used incorrectly.

Laboratory methods of determination

Today, there are several ways to determine cholesterol in the laboratory. They can be used to determine the exact cholesterol content in blood serum. Although these diagnostic methods take longer (usually 1-2 days), they are more reliable than the data obtained on a portable biochemical analyzer.

• Zlatkis-Zak method. The Zlatkis-Zak method allows you to determine the concentration of total cholesterol, both free and bound to plasma proteins. The reagent kit includes: sulfuric (H2SO4) acid, acetic acid, ferric chloride, phosphate acid. Blood serum is added to the mixture of these substances. After a chemical oxidation reaction, the serum acquires one of the shades of red - from bright carrot to rich burgundy. The results are assessed using a special photometric scale. The norm of cholesterol, determined using the Zlatkis-Zack method, is 3.2-6.4 mmol/l.
• Ilk's method. This study of cholesterol levels is also based on the interaction of blood serum and a mixture of organic and inorganic acids: concentrated sulfuric, glacial acetic, acetic anhydride. The Ilk reaction is considered potentially dangerous due to the high concentration of acids, and therefore can only be carried out in the laboratory by a chemist or laboratory assistant. The norm of cholesterol determined by the Ilk method is 4.6 5-6.45 mmol/l.
• Method for determining cholesterol using the Novohol device. This method involves the use of safer substances instead of acids: cholesterol esterase, cholesterol oxidase, peroxidase, aminoantipyrine. During successive chemical reactions, including the cleavage of bonds and the conversion of all serum cholesterol into free cholesterol, it interacts with aminoantipyrine. The amount of the substance depends on the reagents of a particular laboratory, as well as the gender and age of the patient.

Measuring free cholesterol levels

For full diagnostics Some patients, in addition to general cholesterol, are prescribed a determination of free cholesterol. Despite the insignificant concentration in blood serum, it is this fraction of fatty alcohol that is most atherogenic and causes the formation of plaques on the inner wall of blood vessels.

To carry out the analysis, a specialist extracts all the cholesterol from the blood serum using ethyl alcohol. Then, using a different set of reagents (tomatin, digitonin, pyridine sulfate), free cholesterol is precipitated, and its quantity is determined. The analysis rate is 1.04-2.33 mmol/l.

Lipidogram – advanced analysis of fat metabolism

– comprehensive examination cholesterol metabolism in the body, which allows you to simultaneously assess the concentration of all its fractions, as well as assume the presence or absence of a risk of developing atherosclerosis.

• Total cholesterol. The research is carried out according to one of the methods indicated above. How to donate blood for cholesterol, in everyone specific case determined by the doctor. This indicator reflects the content of both free and lipoprotein-bound fatty alcohol. An increase in its level may indicate ischemic diseases heart, vascular cerebral pathology. A decrease in cholesterol levels, which is less common, can suggest an insufficient intake of animal fats in the body or any problems with the liver.
• Low density lipoproteins. Their concentration is determined by analyzing the settling contents of blood serum as a result of a chemical reaction with pyridine sulfate. The analysis rate is ≤ 3.9 mmol/l. Exceeding these values ​​is a laboratory indicator of atherosclerosis.
• High density lipoproteins. Calculating the fraction of “good” cholesterol is usually done by subtracting low molecular weight fractions from total cholesterol. Its determination is necessary for a complete diagnosis of metabolic disorders in the body. The test norm is ≥ 1.42 mmol/l in women and ≥ 1.68 mmol/l in men. With dyslipidemia, a decrease in these indicators is observed.
• and VLDL. There are several methods for determining triglycerides and VLDL in blood serum. The most popular of them are related to enzymatic chemical reactions based on the action of: acetylacetone, chromotropic acid, glycerol. By increasing triglycerides and VLDL consisting of them above normal (0.14-1.82 mmol/l), one judges high risk atherosclerosis, cardiovascular and cerebral complications.
• . The atherogenicity coefficient is a relative value that allows one to judge the risks of developing atherosclerotic disease in a particular patient. It is based on the determination of the relationship between “good” and “bad” cholesterol fractions. KA = (TC – HDL) / HDL, where KA is the Atherogenic Coefficient, and TC is total cholesterol. Normally, KA should not exceed 3.

Thus, comprehensive study lipid metabolism will allow you to assess the condition of the body and suggest the cause of atherosclerosis.

Many people know that cholesterol is considered the main enemy of blood vessels and the heart. Therefore, it turns out that the less its amount in the blood is shown by a blood test for cholesterol, the more favorable it is for the body. This is true, but not entirely. Cholesterol is one of the essential components of fat metabolism, which means that it should still be present in the human body in small quantities. In the liver, bile acids are synthesized from this substance; it participates in the process of building cell membranes and serves as the basis for the formation of sex hormones. All this indicates that you should not get rid of cholesterol, but simply control its content in the blood.

Cholesterol is present in the human body not only in pure form, but also as part of chemical bonds with various substances, mainly of protein origin. For example, it is included in both high and low density lipoproteins, the deciphering of the ratio of which indicates disorders of lipid metabolism in the human body.

lipoproteins that have low density, molecular mass small, which allows them to easily penetrate the inner lining of the arteries, forming cholesterol deposits. And, on the contrary, high-density lipoproteins do not take part in the formation of fatty plaques on the walls of blood vessels, but protect the arteries from various damages, thereby being “good” cholesterol. In addition to them, it is necessary to identify the level of total cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. They are not safe for of cardio-vascular system, therefore their content in the blood must be carefully monitored, not allowing it to rise above the maximum permissible values.

This study, which helps determine the level of cholesterol and all its varieties, is called the blood lipid spectrum. All necessary substances are determined at biochemical analysis blood, but in addition to various types of cholesterol, the values ​​of protein, glucose, bilirubin, enzymes, etc. are revealed.

General blood analysis

Cholesterol is an important indicator of the ongoing fat metabolism, and decoding the level of its content in the blood shows the lipid status of a person. Such an analysis is of great importance in diagnosing atherosclerosis and determining the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease. Thus, a cholesterol content of more than 5.2 mmol/l means the need for a more thorough and in-depth analysis lipid profile patient.

A similar blood test is done in laboratories. It is a determination of the total cholesterol content in the patient’s venous blood. Thus, this value brings together into one all cholesterol circulating in the vessels and having the form of lipoproteins of various densities, esters, and also in free form.

Indications for the purpose of this analysis are various pathologies endocrine system, kidney and liver diseases, screening for dyslipidemia, diagnosing atherosclerosis, ischemia, predicting the likelihood of their occurrence, monitoring the effectiveness of therapy with lipid-lowering drugs and statins.

It should be noted that the normal level of cholesterol concentration varies depending on a person’s age - in adults it is always higher. There are also differences that are associated with the patient’s gender. For example, in middle age the rates are normally higher in men, and after 50 – in women.

How to donate blood for cholesterol

As you know, all foods consumed, alcohol and some medications affect the level of total cholesterol in a person’s blood. Preparation for the study will neutralize all these factors.

Preliminary preparation is required for a blood test for cholesterol. You should eat no later than 12 hours before visiting the laboratory, but the fasting period should not exceed 16 hours. For several days before the test, you should not drink alcohol or eat fatty foods. There is no need to smoke, and before the analysis you can only drink water. It is advisable to sit and relax for 10-15 minutes before the procedure.

The patient is obliged to warn the specialist sending him for analysis about all the medications he is taking. This is because some medications affect cholesterol levels. These include antibiotics, vitamins, hormones, fibrates, statins, diuretics and antihypertensive drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and many others.

Decoding the analysis results

In a biochemical blood test for cholesterol, this substance is measured in mg/dL or mmol/L. Laboratory specialists note all the information received on the research form; as a rule, this is the cholesterol concentration and its approximate indicator values, which are subsequently used to evaluate the result. Different laboratories may give slightly different results. normal indicators, but despite this, a cholesterol level that exceeds 5.2 mmol/l (even if this is considered normal according to age criteria) indicates that the patient needs to undergo a detailed analysis, i.e. lipid profile.

Usually increased level cholesterol occurs in coronary heart disease, alcoholism, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, cancerous tumor pancreas, congenital hyperlipidemia, kidney diseases, diseases of the hepatobiliary system, overweight, excessive consumption of too fatty foods, pregnancy.

However low concentration cholesterol indicates the presence of a certain pathology in the body and, undoubtedly, is a sign of far from good health. A reduced level of this substance is observed during fasting and cachexia, hyperthyroidism, hypolipoproteinemia, chronic anemia, advanced cirrhosis, necrotic pathologies of liver cells, cancers, diseases bone marrow, sepsis and acute infections, chronic pulmonary pathologies, malabsorption syndrome, burns, as well as frequent use food with big amount Omega fatty acids.

Detailed blood test

A detailed blood test for cholesterol is called a lipid profile. It is a determination of the level of concentration in the blood of total cholesterol, its fractions, triglycerides, as well as the atherogenic index. It is these indicators that make it possible to most reliably determine the risk of atherosclerosis. During the study, cholesterol is divided into two fractions: α-cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein, and β-cholesterol, also known as low-density lipoprotein.

The first is “good” cholesterol. It is redirected to the liver without being deposited on the walls of blood vessels. Its normal value should be above 1.0 mmol/l. The second is “bad” cholesterol, it is from it that atherosclerotic plaques form. The concentration of β-cholesterol should not be higher than 3.0 mmol/l.

The atherogenic index is the ratio of high- and low-density lipid proteins. If this coefficient is less than 3, then this means minimal possible risk the occurrence of atherosclerosis. An atherogenic index greater than 5 means that the disease is either already present or the likelihood of its occurrence is very high.

Express blood test

Modern technology has made possible definition general level cholesterol on your own at home. Moreover, this procedure takes no more than 5 minutes. To carry it out, you need to buy a special disposable express test or an electronic express analyzer with a set of disposable test plates. In addition, you need to master the skills of drawing blood from your finger. Very an important condition To carry out an analysis in such conditions, careful preparation is required - the analysis must be taken on an empty stomach, alcohol should be avoided, and the interval after eating should be 12 hours.

The use of rapid analysis is primarily required for people who take lipid-lowering drugs intended to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. Moreover, people suffering from heart disease, and especially those over the age of 60, need to independently control their cholesterol levels. timely appeal to a specialist, appointment therapeutic diet and related medications.

Normal analysis indicators and their interpretation

The norms of indicators obtained in the laboratory are deciphered, which remain constant for a long time. These include, for example, hemoglobin levels. Long years optimal value for women it is considered 120-140 g/l.

However, deciphering this analysis is a completely different matter. Its standards are regularly checked, decreasing over time. This is due to ongoing research by cardiologists to assess the prognosis of the development of heart disease in people with different cholesterol levels. Based on the results obtained, it turns out that the higher this indicator, the more severe the disease, the more often complications are observed, which ultimately significantly reduces a person’s life expectancy.

This situation often leads to confusion - various sources indicate different, and sometimes outdated, no longer valid interpretations of the normal cholesterol content in the blood. So, about 30 years ago, a figure of 6-6.5 mmol/l was considered normal; after a few years it dropped to 5-5.6 mmol/l, which continues to this day. Currently, according to data obtained by the American Heart Association, this figure should not exceed 4.5 mmol/l, the minimum value is in the range of 3.2-3.6, but it is almost impossible to meet it among patients.

Normally, the high-density lipoprotein level in the female population should be more than 1 mmol/l, and in the male population - 1.2 mmol/l. The content of low-density lipoproteins, on the contrary, needs to be reduced, because Normally it should be 2.9 mmol/l. In addition, in the blood of a patient who does not have lipid metabolism disorders, the concentration of triglycerides should not exceed 1.7 mmol/l.

Often the conclusion of the analysis also contains such an indicator as the atherogenicity index. This value is calculated, it is obtained by calculations: KA = total cholesterol level - high-density lipoprotein level / low-density lipoprotein level. Decoding this value gives a general conclusion about the level of lipids in the blood - normally less than 3. But in reality medical practice Doctors pay little attention to this indicator, because content is more important for making a diagnosis certain types cholesterol.

Cholesterol is not only dangerous for the human body, but also beneficial. Therefore, there is no need to think that this substance should be contained in the most minimal levels. In the blood it is represented by some esters, and in membranes it is found as a free carrier.

Thus, it is worth noting that cholesterol is a vital component for the human body, as it actively participates in the formation of some sex hormones, bile and gives special elasticity to the membrane membrane. Today in medicine there are certain standards that must mandatory contained in the blood for the normal functioning of the body. To determine this, it is enough to take the appropriate blood test, from which it will be immediately clear whether cholesterol is normal or not.

We can also say with confidence that a lack of this substance is more dangerous for health than its excess. But on the other hand, its high content can lead to a disease such as atherosclerosis. Therefore, its level should be within normal limits so that the body does not suffer and you feel good.

Cholesterol analysis - preparation

In order to determine the existing cholesterol level, it is necessary to donate blood from a vein. This is done early in the morning and on an empty stomach. This does not require any special preparation, the main thing is to abstain from food for at least 8 hours. Doctors also tell many people not to eat a lot of fatty foods for two days before the test or to give it up altogether (as a good preparation). Most often this concerns overweight people, because many of them always have high cholesterol.

Quite often, preparation may be completely absent if an average blood level is required. General definition It is carried out according to a special scheme in the laboratory, so this cannot be done at home. Unfortunately, there is not even a special device yet. The most accurate and sensitive reagents are used for this, which guarantees reliable result. As a rule, the analysis is ready within a few days.

It is also worth remembering that each laboratory may use different reagents, which in turn can provide different results. If you do a control analysis, it is better to give preference to the laboratory in which the sample was taken for the first time. This way it will be clear where the possible unreliability comes from.

Analysis for different cholesterol

Today, several types of cholesterol are determined in laboratories. These can be total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides. The set of such indicators is called a lipid profile in medicine and is the most accurate result.

If the analysis comes back with elevated lipoprotein, then this result indicates the presence of a pathology such as atherogenic, which in the future may indicate the development of atherosclerosis. If the analysis shows, on the contrary, low blood counts, then this is the presence of an antiatherogenic fraction, which in turn reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.

High levels of triglycerides in the blood contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. They are an important form of fat, so they are high content not healthy. Such triglycerides are often used as a treatment control if the patient takes a lot different antibiotics and other medications. A blood test for cholesterol can be performed in any combination and for any indication, but its result will necessarily indicate the presence of a problem or possible development diseases.

Blood cholesterol levels

More often high cholesterol, which provokes the appearance of hypercholesterolemia, manifests itself as a result of an unbalanced diet in completely healthy people. And the analysis shows this in detailed values. This can occur with frequent consumption of fatty meats, palm oil and large amounts of fried foods. And so total cholesterol in the blood should be in the range of 3.1 – 5.2 mmol/l. HDL in women and men is more than 1.41 mmol/l.

The LDL content is not more than 3.9 mmol/l. Triglycerides normal analysis blood should show within 0.14 - 1.82 mmol/l. The average atherogenic coefficient is less than 3. Such results are normal, but if they change, you should seek help. If these indicators do not differ significantly from the norm, it will be enough to edit your diet.

Cholesterol can change after each meal, so eliminating certain foods several times less will give results. After this you can do reanalysis blood to make sure that removing certain foods from the diet has had an effect. In order to edit your cholesterol levels as thoroughly as possible, you need to constantly monitor your diet. This also applies to overuse alcohol and smoking, which in turn can also have a significant impact on blood changes.