The fact that this substance is harmful to blood vessels and the heart is a fact known, but true only partially. It is found in the tissues of the body and is indispensable for its normal functioning. The content of cholesterol in the blood is established during the delivery of tests and compared with the permissible standards. Do this regularly.
How to take an analysis for cholesterol
To determine the value of total cholesterol do biochemical analysis in the laboratory or with a portable device with test strips. The results will be objective provided they are properly prepared. The fence material is done in the morning, on an empty stomach. It is important to withstand the requirements:
- for the day to exclude alcohol;
- is not before the procedure for 12 hours;
- do not smoke;
- for two days to refuse from fatty foods;
- before the procedure to relax, calm down.
Decoding the blood test for cholesterol
The cholesterol in the blood from the vein will depend on the equipment of the laboratory, the values may differ. Values will be different for adults and children, men, women. The size affects the pregnancy, it increases in the elderly. Important knowledge - what is the norm of cholesterol in the blood - because it is indispensable for the processes of the body. With the participation of this substance occurs:
- fat metabolism;
- regulation of metabolism at the cell level;
- synthesis of fatty acids;
- formation of serotonin, vitamin D;
- mineral exchange;
- formation of sex hormones.
This substance from the liver is transported through the body in the composition of lipoproteins - protein compounds. The third part of it is in free form. A study on lipoprotein content is called the lipid spectrum and includes several indicators. Cholesterol is indicated in the blood test:
- Chol - total cholesterol or cholesterol;
- HDL - High-density lipoprotein cholesterol;
- LDL - Low-density lipoprotein LDL;
- TG - TG - triglycerides.
There are concepts of bad, good cholesterol. HDL - is considered bad. This he causes the formation of plaques, overlapping vessels. Cardiovascular failure may occur, stones in the gallbladder may form. Raising it causes fatty foods. The indicator for women is not lower than - 1.02 mmol / l. For men - up to 1.49 mmol / l. Lower the value can be a diet, limiting fatty foods, sugar. Help reduce physical exertion, special medicines - statins.
LDL is a good lipoprotein - produced by the body, protects the arteries from damage, removes plaques. The value should be no more than 3.89 mmol / l. It is not regulated by food, it is believed that it can be increased by the daily intake of a glass of dry wine. The total is composed of HDL and LDL.The normal level of cholesterol in the blood in adults should not be more than 4.49 mmol / l. The value of triglycerides is 1.71 mmol / l.
What does it mean if total cholesterol is raised?
The normal level of lipoproteins speaks of the proper functioning of the body. Exceeding the standards leads to problems where the price of the issue is life. In this situation, due to the formation of plaques on the walls, atherosclerosis of the vessels develops. This causes disruption of the heart and brain, which leads to sad results - stroke, heart attack. To correct the situation it is possible, for this it is necessary:
- more fiber, less - fatty foods, fast food;
- to increase physical activity;
- maintain optimum weight;
- drink more water;
- monitor the level of glucose.
Low cholesterol
Liver diseases, the use of diets to reduce weight, frequent stresses lead to a decrease in the level of lipoproteins - hypocholestermia. It's life-threatening. In this situation:
- develops mental disorders;
- increases the risk of liver cancer;
- symptoms of insanity appear;
- there is suicidal behavior;
- possible infertility in women;
- increases the risk of stroke;
- begin to develop depression;
- increases the likelihood of drug addiction, alcoholism.
Tables of cholesterol in the blood by age
There are special tables on which you can compare the total cholesterol in people, depending on their age. This will reveal the predisposition to the development of atherosclerosis, exclude the risks of strokes, heart attacks, liver cancer. Will help prevent depression and suicide. Tables are constructed taking into account the age from 20 years to the period over 70.
In women
The cholesterol level in the blood of women depends on the hormonal background and actively changes during life. At pregnancy it can differ in two times. The norm of cholesterol in women after 50 and for another age is given in the table below.
| Years | Overall value, mmol / l |
| 20-30 | 3,11-5,61 |
| 30-40 | 3,3-6,1 |
| 40-50 | 3.91-6.92 |
| 50-60 | 4,18-7,2 |
| 60-70 | 4,40-7,8 |
| over 70 years | 4,47-7,9 |
For men
The results of standards for men are affected by bad habits - alcohol abuse, smoking. Worse parameters are such reasons as sedentary lifestyle, overeating, eating fatty foods. If we compare the values, then for the same segments of life in men the permissible value is higher than for women. The table shows the blood cholesterol in men, according to the years of life.
| Years | Overall value, mmol / l |
| 20-30 | 3,6-6,1 |
| 30-40 | 3,5-6,6 |
| 40-50 | 4,0-6,9 |
| 50-60 | 4,35-7,82 |
| 60-70 | 4,5-7,94 |
| over 70 years | 4,56-7,96 |