Cholesterol, or fatty alcohol, is a natural lipophilic compound, which is an integral component of all living things. In the recent past, its value for a person undeservedly diminished. However, after a while, the exclusive need for this compound for the stable functioning of the organism was confirmed.
Cholesterol norm in women by age
The concentration of fatty alcohol in women is approximately within the same values until the onset of menopause. When explaining the results of the analysis for the maintenance of lipids( fats) of blood plasma, the doctor must take into account a number of additional factors capable of distorting the real picture. Pregnancy, dysfunction of the thyroid gland and other conditions provoke a change in the average concentration of the organic compound. The cholesterol level in the blood of women is shown in the table below:
| Age, years | Total cholesterol, mmol / L | Low-density LP, mmol / L | High-density LP, mmol / L |
| 20-25 | 5.7 | 4,13 | 2.03 |
| 30-35 | |||
| 30-35 | 5.95 | 4,03 | 1.98 |
| 40-45 | 6.52 | 4.52 | 2.27 |
| 50-55 | 7.3 | 5.20 | 2,36 |
| 60-65 | 7.8 | 5.9 | 2.37 |
| Older than 70 | 7,26 | 5,28 | 2,39 |
Total cholesterol
A significant portion of the lipophilic compound is produced by the liver. Only 20% of its share comes with food. Lipids of blood plasma are transported in the form of low density( LDL) and high density( HDL) polyproteins, the total value of which determines the concentration of total cholesterol. The excess of the first substance negatively affects the metabolic processes, provokes the development of pathologies of the vessels and internal organs of man. The norm of total cholesterol in women after 50 years is supported by the following simple rules:
- not to eat fried foods,
- to increase motor activity;
- reduce salt intake;
- to reduce excess weight;
- include in the diet a lot of fruits and vegetables;
- adhere to a low-protein diet.
Low-density lipoproteins
The LDL fraction in the total lipophilic compound structure is about 70%.The excess amount of this substance leads to oxidative processes inside the vessels and arteries, which causes the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Lipoproteins of low density are not absolutely harmful compounds. They participate in the delivery of cholesterol to all cells of the body. It is worth noting that atherogenic( contributing to atherosclerosis) properties of low-density lipoproteins are manifested only when they are excessively stored in blood serum.
Good cholesterol
HDL is produced solely by the body itself and does not provoke the formation of atherosclerotic deposits. With insufficient quantity of high-density lipoproteins, the composition of cell membranes is disturbed, which complicates the process of formation of new structural elements. A good lipoprotein cleanses the vascular wall from accumulations of atherogenic elements, while preventing the risk of heart and vascular disease.
Triglyceride norm
Organic compounds saturated with glycerol esters are cholesterol-free lipids. Triglycerides( TG) are commonly called fats of vegetable and animal origin. Recent scientific studies have confirmed the ability of these lipids to settle on the endothelium( internal cells) of the vessels, provoking their occlusion. For this reason, it is very important to control the intake of unsaturated fats along with food. The norm of TG in the blood in women after 50 years is 2.95 mmol / l.
Changes in cholesterol level
Fluctuations in the concentration of fatty alcohol can occur for many reasons. The pathological change in his level is often associated with the development of serious diseases. The analysis on cholesterol together with other laboratory tests allows to diagnose the growth or decrease in the concentration of LDL and HDL in the blood serum. High rates of total liquid alcohol - not a cause for concern. An alarm signal can be considered an increase in the level of low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides. The norm of cholesterol in women after 50 years can vary under the influence:
- Time of the year. The autumn-winter period is characterized by fluctuations in the concentration of average values to 2-4%.
- Periods of the menstrual cycle. During its first half, deviations can reach 10%.
- Pregnancy. Increased cholesterol in the blood of women with the bearing of a child is considered quite natural. A normal change in this case is an increase in the content of fat-containing alcohol to 15%.
- Various diseases. Arterial hypertension, angina pectoris, ARI can provoke excessive accumulation of blood lipids.
- Oncology. The tumor consumes a lot of nutrients, so the growth of malignant neoplasms can significantly reduce the level of fatty connection.
LDL elevated
Low-density cholesterol is "selected" by HDL molecules under normal conditions and does not clog vessels and human arteries. If the number of low-density lipoproteins increases rapidly, the risk of atherosclerotic plaques is increased. Such formations narrow the lumen of blood vessels, make it difficult for oxygenated blood to flow to the heart and brain. This contributes to the development of ischemic disease, atherosclerosis of the lower limbs, stroke. The reasons for the increase in LDL are as follows:
- irrational nutrition;
- is a sedentary lifestyle;
- excess weight;
- bad habits;
- thyroid dysfunction;
- hypertension;
- kidney failure;
- disorders in the pancreas;
- obesity;
- oncological diseases.
- hyperlipoproteinemia.
Cholesterol is below the norm in women
The lack of fatty alcohol in a person can cause the development of many serious diseases. Blood lipids actively participate in all metabolic processes and their low level leads to degenerative changes in organs and systems. Especially dangerous is hypocholesterolemia for the older generation. In people after 50 years, inadequate synthesis of LDL and HDL can cause a persistent mental disorder and the development of dementia. Hypocholesterolemia manifests itself:
- muscle weakness;
- with lymphadenopathy;
- lack of appetite;
- with steatorei( "fat" feces);
- is an aggressive-depressive syndrome;
- hyporeflexion( decreased reflexes);
- decline in sexual activity.
Video: Cholesterol norm in 50 years
[1] In Russia, the cholesterol level is measured in mmol / l, and in the USA it is calculated in mg / dL.