All about cholesterol: normal blood tips and advice on how to reduce.

There is a widespread misconception that cholesterol harms the body, and its content in blood is one of the most important indicators of the health of a person. Many are trying to preserve their health, adhere to a strict diet, excluding all foods containing cholesterol. However, few know that it is part of cell membranes, give them strength and provide for the exchange of substances between the cell and the intercellular substance and regulate the activity of enzymes. Thus, cholesterol is indispensable to the normal functioning of our body.

Despite the importance of cholesterol, excessive consumption of fatty food of animal origin can lead to increased content in the body, which negatively affects health and can cause serious illness.

Control cholesterol will help you maintain your health for years to come, increase the natural resistance of the body, increase life expectancy and improve its quality. In this article, we will dispel the most common myths about the role of cholesterol in our body and its metabolism. We will also consider the most effective ways to control cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol – why is it needed?

Cholesterol (from the Greek. chole — bile and stereo — rigid, rigid) was first identified in gallstones hence got its name. It is a natural water-insoluble lipophilic alcohol. About 80% of cholesterol is synthesized in the body (liver, intestines, kidneys, adrenal glands, sex glands), the remaining 20% should come from food that we consume.

While circulating in the bloodstream, cholesterol is optionally used as a building material and also for synthesis of more complex compounds. As it is insoluble in water (and therefore blood), the transport is only possible in the form of complex water-soluble compounds, which are divided into 2 types:

Low density lipoproteins (LDL)

High-density lipoproteins (HDL)

Both of these substances should be in a certain ratio, their total volume should not exceed the norm. This can lead to serious diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Functions of cholesterol:

— ensuring the strength of the cell walls, regulate their permeability to various molecules;

— synthesis of vitamin D;

— the synthesis of adrenal steroid (cortisone, hydrocortisone), male (androgens) and female (estrogen, progesterone) sex hormones;

— in the form of bile acids involved in the formation of bile and digestion of fats in the digestion process;

— involved in the formation of new synapses inthe brain, thereby improving mental abilities and memory.

In fact, the harm does not cholesterol itself, and its fluctuations beyond the norm. Health problems can cause excess and deficiency in the body.

Negative impact of cholesterol

According to statistics from the people who died from cardiovascular disease had low levels of high density lipoproteins, but high content of low density lipoproteins.

Lipoproteins with improper ratio or prolonged elevated levels in the blood can settle in the blood vessel walls and cause atherosclerosis.

There is a dangerous disease, when the endothelium of blood vessels are formed plaques that over time more and more increase and accumulate calcium. In the end, the lumen of the vessel narrows, they lose their elasticity (stenosis), this leads to a reduction of oxygen and nutrients to the heart and tissues and development of angina (stoppage of arterial blood to certain areas of the heart due to blockage of the coronary arteries, is accompanied by pain and discomfort in the chest). Often it is because of impaired blood supply occurs the heart attack or myocardial infarction. Education cholesterolemic plaques leads to damage on the inner wall of blood vessels, may form a clot, which can subsequently clogging the artery or break off and cause embolism. Also lost elasticity of the vessel may burst when the pressure in the bloodstream.

The role of lipoproteins

HDL is considered "good" lipoprotein due to its ability to dissolve cholesterol plaques and remove it from the walls of the arteries, the higher the percentage of the LDL ("bad" lipoprotein), the better. Transportorul LDL cholesterol from synthesizing organs in arteries, and elevated levels of this compound, these large insoluble molecules together form fatty plaques are attached to the vessels and clog them. Exposed to oxidative processes, cholesterol loses its stability and can easily penetrate into the interior of the artery walls.

On the formed oxidized LDL begins to produce in a large number of specific antibodies, which leads to severe damage of the artery walls. In addition, the cholesterol helps reduce the level of nitric oxide, increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Nitric oxide plays an important role in the body:

— dilates blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, prevents blood clots in the blood stream;

— plays an important role in fighting bacteria and viruses trapped in the body,destroys cancer cells;

— increases muscle stamina;

— involved in the exchange of information between the various cells, is a neurotransmitter in the synapses.

The reduction in the body level of nitrous oxide undermine the work of all body systems.

HDL not only removes cholesterol from the blood back to the liver, but also prevent the oxidation of LDL.

Signs of improvement in the level of cholesterol in the body

The increase in cholesterol is associated with disorders of lipid (fat) metabolism. This can be a symptom of not only atherosclerosis but also other serious diseases:

liver;

— kidney (chronic renal failure, glomerulonephritis);

— pancreas (chronic pancreatitis);

— diabetes mellitus (a severe disease associated with impaired synthesis of insulin from the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas);

— hypothyroidism (decreased synthesis of thyroid hormones);

— obesity.

The symptoms of atherosclerosis is caused by narrowing of blood vessels as a result of prolonged and persistent elevated cholesterol, and worsening of blood circulation in different parts of the bloodstream.

Main symptoms:

— angina (sudden discomfort or pain in the chest that occurs during physical exertion or emotional stress);

— shortness of breath;

— arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm);

— cyanosis and swelling of peripheral body parts (fingers, toes);

periodic cramps in the legs (intermittent claudication);

— memory impairment, inattention;

— reduced intellectual abilities;

yellow-pink lipid deposits in the skin (xanthomas), often occur on the skin of the eyelids and in the area of ankle joints.

The influence of the level of HDL and LDL on our health

Still, the view that the overall level of lipoproteins HDL and LDL affect the state of health and raising them entails terrible consequences for the whole organism. However, this statement is not entirely true. Yes, the above diseases are accompanied by increased content of lipoproteins in General, but more importantly, what is the ratio in the blood of "good" HDL and "bad" LDL. It is a violation of the proportions and causes health problems. When determining the content of lipoproteins in the blood take into account 4 indicators: total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides.

Rules

Total cholesterol in the blood is between 3.0 and 5.0 mmol/l;

With the threat of atherosclerosis total cholesterol increased to 7.8 mmol/l;

LDL from men — 2,25 — 4,82 mmol/l;

LDL fromwomen — 1,92 — 4,51 mmol/l;

HDL from men — 0,72 — of 1.73 mmol/l;

HDL from women — 0,86 — 2,28 mmol/l;

Triglycerides in men — 0,52 — 3.7 mmol/l;

Triglycerides in women — 0,41 — of 2.96 mmol/L.

The most significant is the ratio of HDL and LDL in the background of total cholesterol. In a healthy body figure is much higher HDL than LDL.

The most effective ways of treatment for high cholesterol

There are many drugs that reduce cholesterol levels in cases when the figure poses a serious threat to the health or already in the early development of atherosclerosis. You must give credit to a healthy lifestyle, an important part of which is proper nutrition. In such cases, the diet and moderate exercise will not only help to bring the blood counts back to normal, but also completely heal and rejuvenate your body.

For more rapid therapeutic effect of pharmacological drugs:

— Statins – the most popular drugs, the principle of their action consists in inhibition of cholesterol synthesis in the liver by blocking the relevant enzyme. They are usually taken 1 time per day before bed (at this time begins active production of cholesterol in the body). The therapeutic effect occurs within 1-2 weeks of receiving systematic, long-term use does not cause addiction. Of the side effects may experience nausea, abdominal pain and muscles, in rare cases, it may be individual sensitivity. The statins can lower cholesterol by 60%, but their long-term employment is needed regularly every six months to be tested for AST and ALT. The most common statins: cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin.

— Fibrates stimulate the production of HDL, are recommended when amount of triglycerides 4.5 mmol/L. it is not recommended to use with statins. Side effects are manifested in the form of gastro-intestinal disorders, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain. Representatives of this group of drugs: clofibrate, fenofibrate, gemfibrozil.

— Sequestrant bile acids. This group of drugs are not absorbed into the blood but acts locally binds bile acids that are synthesized from cholesterol, and eliminate them from the body naturally. The liver begins to increased production of bile acids, using a greater amount of cholesterol received from the blood, a visible positive effect comes a month after the beginning of medication, to enhance the effect of possible concomitant use of statins. Long-term usedrugs can lead to impaired absorption of fats and vitamins, possible increased bleeding. Side effects: flatulence, constipation. Such drugs include: colestipol, cholestyramine.

— Inhibitors of cholesterol absorption inhibit the absorption of lipids from the intestine. Drugs in this group can be assigned to people who have contraindications for taking statins since they are absorbed into the bloodstream. In Russia was only 1 drug of the group inhibitors of cholesterol absorption – ezetrol.

The above measures are used in advanced cases when you need to quickly lower your cholesterol and lifestyle change can not quickly give the desired effect. But even when receiving pharmacological agents do not forget about the prevention of and harmless natural supplements that prolonged regular intake will help you prevent disease of the cardiovascular system in the future.

Folk remedies that help to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood

— Niacin (nicotinic acid, vitamin PP, vitamin b₃). The mechanism of action is not fully understood, but experiments show that after a few days of intake of high doses of vitamin, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in the blood is markedly reduced, but increases the amount of HDL up to 30%. Unfortunately, it did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications and seizures. For maximum efficiency, you can combine Niacin with other treatments.

— Omega-3 and omega-6 unsaturated fatty acids. Found in cod liver oil and seafood, as well as in vegetable oils cold-pressed (unrefined). They have a positive effect on the nervous system, prevent rickets in the period of active growth, reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure, improve circulation, strengthen blood vessels and give them elasticity, prevent their thrombosis, involved in the synthesis of hormone-like substances – prostaglandins. Regular intake of food sources of essential fatty acids a wonderful impact on the whole organism, in particular, will help to prevent the development of atherosclerosis.

— Vitamin E. Extremely powerful antioxidant, prevents the breakdown of LDL and formation of fatty plaques. For the offensive of a positive effect you need to constantly consume vitamin in appropriate doses.

— Green tea contains polyphenols – substances that affect the metabolism of lipids, they reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol and increase the content of "useful". Besides, tea contains antioxidants.

— Garlic. Fresh garlic is recommended to be consumed to reduce cholesterol, prevent the formation ofclots in the vessels (thins the blood). Active components included in composition of garlic are sulfur-containing compounds, in particular, alliin.

— Soy protein. In effect they are similar to estrogens reduces the risk of atherosclerosis. Genistein inhibits oxidation of LDL due to its antioxidant properties. In addition, soy stimulates the production of bile, thereby facilitates the removal of cholesterol from the body.

— Vitamins b₆ (pyridoxine), ₉ (folic acid), ₁₂ (cyanocobalamin). A sufficient amount of these vitamins in the diet contributes to the healthy working of the heart muscle, greatly reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

What factors contribute to increased cholesterol levels and develop atherosclerosis?

Most often from atherosclerosis affects people who for a long time neglected their health. The sooner you change your lifestyle, the less likely the development of serious diseases. Here are 4 main factors contributing to the increase concentration of cholesterol in the blood:

— Sedentary lifestyle. At low mobility, lack of physical activity, increased levels of "bad" cholesterol, posing a threat of cardiovascular diseases.

— Obesity. Violation of lipid metabolism is closely associated with high cholesterol. Suffering from fullness people are prone to various diseases of the cardiovascular system.

— Non-Smoking. Leads to narrowing of the arteries, increased blood viscosity, thrombosis, entails the risk of heart disease.

— The consumption of fatty animal products in large amounts leads to increased LDL.

— Heredity. Predisposition to higher cholesterol level is genetically transmitted. Therefore, people whose relatives suffer from this disease should be carefully monitor their health.

Healthy lifestyle as a method of fight against cholesterol

As soon as you practice of proper nutrition and an active lifestyle, reduces the risk of various diseases. This is especially true for people who are at risk. Changing your lifestyle, you make the whole body, even though the tendency to any disease, internal defense mechanisms can easily cope with the threat.

Active sports is improve metabolism, train the heart muscle together with skeletal muscles, promote better blood supply to all organs and systems during exercise, the blood comes from the depot into the mainstream, it promotes the bestsaturate the organs with oxygen and nutrients).

Sports exercises also strengthen the walls of blood vessels, prevents the development of varicose veins.

Do not forget about the importance of proper nutrition. Do not abuse strict diets. The body must receive all necessary nutrients in optimal proportions, vitamins and minerals, fiber. In the diet should be present in sufficient quantity vegetables, fruits, cereals, lean meat, marine and ocean fish, unrefined plant oils, milk and dairy products. When little food of any vitamins, it is good periodically to take drugs with their contents to prevent beriberi.

Quitting Smoking will reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, but also other diseases such as bronchitis, stomach ulcers, and cancers.

Sport is the best remedy for stress and depression, he tempers the nervous system. Regular physical activity, be it Jogging in the Park or 3 hours of exercise in the gym, helps to remove accumulated during the whole day the negativity and irritation, many athletes experience the euphoria during the training process. Experimentally proved that active people are much less stressed than those who lead a sedentary lifestyle.

Conclusion

As you can see cholesterol is a critical compound that performs several vital functions. It is necessary for our life, but in the body its quantity must not go beyond the norm. The imbalance in the ratio of lipoproteins of high and low density leads to serious consequences.

The best method of treatment is prevention. The most effective method to prevent the increase of cholesterol in the blood is a healthy lifestyle.

When you give up bad habits and begin to adhere to the above rules, you will forget all about health problems.

Cholesterol. Myths and deception.