The two faces of cholesterol

Cholesterol is vital fat that participate in the construction of a number of cells, tissues and organs and is a component of many hormones. The question is, the quantities of the different fractions thereof to be in the appropriate physiological range
To understand better you cholesterol , you should do a blood test . Take a venous blood of fasting a few days abstaining from fatty meats from which serum separated , and it is determined how cholesterol . Most commonly called examined . total cholesterol, but it is not enough . It is important to see the values ​​of "bad " LDL ( low density lipoprotein ) and "good " HDL ( high density lipoprotein ) cholesterol. Worst is to blame for the accumulation of fatty deposits in blood vessels , which can then cause heart attack or stroke , and the best , otherwise , clean the circulatory system of harmful cholesterol , it " captures " and removed from the body. Normal values ​​to which usually aim are: total cholesterol - to 5 mmol / l; HDL cholesterol - more than 1 mmol / l; LDL cholesterol - to 3 mmol / l. Another important indicator is triglycerides. Their content in the blood serum is very important because they can be an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis and its complications . The normal value is up to 1,7 mmol / l.
Who should be investigated
If no special indications , such as familial hypercholesterolemia (an inherited impairment where generations transmitted high cholesterol ) , the first study should be done about adulthood . If the result is normal , the following tests of the lipid profile may be made in 5 years. Good men over the age of 35 to monitor more frequently cholesterol , for example, in 2 years, if the results are normal. When deviations doctor will order more frequent tests. This applies to people of working age , but suffering from hypertension , ischemic heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Usually women in menopause are not in the group at risk of cardiovascular events , but then quickly catching up with men. So after the cessation of menstruation regular monitoring should be every year. Older people with established cardiovascular and / or endocrine diseases should monitor cholesterol profile at least twice a year. That is monitored , and the effect of any treatment with statins - compositions that inhibit the formation of cholesterol in the liver.
Help you diet
Of course it matters what you eat , but often have high cholesterol and people who are normal weight and do not overdo fat. This is due to the so-called endogenous cholesterol, whose formation is not affected by the particular menu . But a healthy diet at all times is important not only because cholesterol is a risk factor . Excessive accumulation of fat , especially abdominal significantly increases the risk of vascular events . If within six months you can not normalize cholesterol through diet , herbs and supplements , most likely your doctor will prescribe medication , especially if cholesterol significantly exceed the standards and have other risk factors.
The new tag
High cholesterol is one of the classic causes of cardiovascular problems. But in recent years, scientists have found a relationship between elevated levels of a specific protein called C-reactive protein (CRP), and cardiovascular risk . However, when this protein a patient is high, even his cholesterol is normal , the risk remains . This is the reason Cardiology increasingly seek examination of this protein , particularly of its highly specific fraction (hsCRP), a mark which is not a common acute infection , and for the so -called quiet inflammation affecting the inside wall of the blood vessel and favors the accumulation of plaque , which narrows them . When the value of a highly hsCRP is up to 1 mg / l, it sets a lower cardiovascular risk . If the value is between 1 and 3 mg / l, the risk is moderate , and values ​​above 3 mg / l define high risk.