Hepatic lipid profile. Why take a lipid profile test? Target lipid profile values: what indicators should you strive for?

Cholesterol enters the blood plasma as insoluble organic compounds. They merge with a special type of proteins - lipoproteins, which helps them enter organ tissues and be absorbed. When fat metabolism in the body is normal, the structure and concentration of fats with lipoproteins are in balance, which does not allow cholesterol to settle on the walls of blood vessels. On lipid metabolism affect some diseases, which leads to the development of cardiac and vascular pathologies. This is usually atherosclerosis and its severe consequences: ischemia, angina, stroke, heart attack. To promptly identify these pathologies and assess the possibility of developing CVD, it is necessary to conduct a blood test to monitor the lipid profile.

A blood biochemistry test is called a lipid profile; it objectively reflects the content of lipoproteins and fats in the test serum. The main purpose of this analysis is to assess the metabolism of fats in the patient’s body, to identify the risks of developing atherosclerosis, stroke, heart attack, and cardiac ischemia.

Indications for prescribing analysis

For persons under 35 years of age, this analysis is recommended once every 5 years. After 35 years - once a year.

This is necessary for:

• identifying the possibility of developing vascular pathologies;
• determining the risk of developing cardiac ischemia associated with genetic predisposition;
• monitoring the condition of patients with changes in lipid metabolism.

Indications for lipid profile studies include vascular and heart diseases: hypertension, heart attack, ischemia, angina pectoris, atherosclerotic lesions vessels.

This analysis must be done for pathologies of the pancreas and liver: pancreatic oncology, acute and chronic pancreatitis, extrahepatic jaundice, hepatitis B, chronic liver failure, cirrhosis of the liver.

In addition, such an analysis is prescribed for kidney diseases: chronic renal failure, glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome.

Patients with blood pathologies: sepsis, myeloma, anemia also need to be examined.

And also with prolonged and uncontrolled use of oral contraceptives by women, alcoholism, obstructive pneumonia, burns, anorexia nervous soil, obesity, Reine's syndrome, gout, systemic lupus erythematosus, thyroid pathologies, diabetes mellitus.

If any of the listed diagnoses are confirmed or suspected, it is necessary to donate blood for analysis to monitor the lipid profile. as soon as possible, having fulfilled all the requirements to prepare for the procedure.

Preparing for analysis

It is necessary to take into account that complete absorption of the bulk of food lipids occurs within 12 hours from the moment of eating. The most reliable result will be if you donate blood after a meal, after 12 hours, but no later than 14.

Blood is taken for analysis in the morning on an empty stomach; you can drink water, but still. Laboratory diagnostics is performed before the medication course or 14 days after its completion. If it is impossible to refuse taking medications, the specialist indicates in the direction of all medications taken by the patient. This especially applies to Mildronate, Aspirin, Niacin, Phenobarbital, Phenytonin and all corticosteroids. Will affect lipid levels simultaneous administration vitamins C and E.

During preparation for the analysis, you need to give up alcohol for 1-2 days and fatty foods. Do not smoke more than 2 hours before blood collection. Dinner before the procedure should be light.

Physical and mental stress can affect the indicators. You should try to reduce these factors to a minimum, at least a day before the test.

You cannot donate blood immediately after: fluorography, radiography, rectal examination, ultrasound, physiotherapeutic procedures.

This diagnostic procedure has no contraindications or side effects.

Explanation of lipid profile analysis

By international standards lipid profile indicators are divided: Normal level, Borderline, indicating a moderate possibility of developing atherosclerosis, High - a high risk of atherosclerosis.

Important! Remember that for correct decoding analysis requires an overall picture. Only a comprehensive decoding can give correct assessment health.

Total cholesterol

The norm is 3.10-5.16 mmol/l, borderline 5.16-6.17 mmol/l, high - more than 6.19 mmol/l.

Deviations from the norm indicate a violation fat metabolism. IN such a case A diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia is made, which requires serious monitoring and adjustment of fats in the blood. A diagnosis of dysbetalipoproteinemia can also be made, but it requires confirmation by additional studies.

A similar analysis result can be obtained for healthy woman during pregnancy, or in people on a low-protein diet.

This indicator can decrease when taking estrogens, statins, Thyroxine, Interferon, Clomiphene, Neomycin and other medications.

HDL – high density lipoptotheids

The norm is 1.0-2.07 mmol/l, borderline 0.78-1.0 mmol/l, high - less than 0.78 mmol/l.

Previously, it was generally accepted that it was better when this figure was higher, because lipoprotides are necessary for processing and removing “bad” cholesterol from the body. But it has now been proven that it is excessive high concentration indicates certain diseases.

If during screening for lipid profile HDL levels were found to be lower than normal - increases the possibility of developing atherosclerosis, because their ability to block and remove “bad” cholesterol drops sharply.

We must not forget that changes in this indicator are affected by some of the drugs.

LDL – low density lipoproteins

The norm is 1.71-3.40 mmol/l, borderline 3.37-4.12 mmol/l, high - more than 4.15 mmol/l.

This type of lipoprotein indicates the development of atherosclerosis more than the level of total cholesterol. Their high concentration indicates the possibility of developing heart pathologies.

If their level is below normal, there is a possibility of a violation metabolic processes, blood diseases, thyroid pathologies.

VLDL – very low density lipoproteins

The norm is 0.26-1.04 mmol/l, high - more than 1.04 mmol/l.

Around acceptable values This indicator is hotly debated among doctors. Its increased concentration will lead to the development of CVD.

If the levels are low, you need to pay attention to the lungs, blood, thyroid gland, liver, and joints.

Triglycerides

The norm is 0.45-1.60 mmol/l, borderline 1.70-2.20 mmol/l, high - more than 2.30 mmol/l.

The main indicator that determines the risk of developing CVD. With them increased concentration it is necessary to examine the blood vessels, heart, kidneys, liver, pancreas, and thyroid gland.

A reduced concentration of triglycerides also indicates the presence of various pathologies.

Atherogenic coefficient

The norm is 1.5-3 mmol/l, borderline 3-4 mmol/l, high - more than 5 mmol/l.

This indicator is the ratio of “good” and “bad” cholesterol. Values ​​within the Borderline limits indicate a high probability of developing CVD. But the risk can be minimized by changing your lifestyle and diet.

An indicator above 5 indicates atherosclerotic changes.

Important! If there are any deviations in the results of the analysis to control the lipid profile, more or less from the norm, you must undergo additional examination all internal organs.

Each of us took a blood test for cholesterol (lipidogram, lipid spectrum). Anyone knows that high cholesterol- this is very bad. Is it so? Let's also talk about lipid profile standards and the requirements for taking this test.

If you want to live longer, get your cholesterol tested regularly.

Cholesterol and its purpose

Cholesterol is a significant component of the body. Takes part in the synthesis of bile and sex hormones and is responsible for the elasticity and hardness of cell membranes. Most of the substance is produced in the liver. The smaller amount gets in with food products.

There are two types: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and lipoproteins high density(HDL). An incorrect proportion of these compounds, as well as an increase in total cholesterol levels, can cause heart problems. However, cholesterol plays a vital role in cellular metabolism, brain function, and providing the body with antioxidants.
Let's take a closer look at the types of cholesterol.

LDL - considered "bad cholesterol", but in fact Negative influence substances on the body is exaggerated. So, the component has the ability to destroy toxins. But with a significant increase in content, it is capable of forming sclerotic plaques.

HDL is considered “good cholesterol” due to its properties in liquefying cholesterol plaques.

The purpose of LDL is to return cholesterol from distant parts of the body to the liver for subsequent processing. The substance is of great importance in the metabolism of vitamin D and the synthesis of hormones.
Triglycerides, as components of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), take part only in the formation cholesterol plaques.

Cholesterol is one of the main parameters of fat metabolism.

A blood test for cholesterol is called a Lipidogram. It makes it possible to diagnose the following diseases:

• atherosclerosis;
• ischemic disease hearts;
• impaired renal and liver function;
• dysfunction thyroid gland;
• diabetes;
• obesity.

Experts advise periodically conducting blood tests for cholesterol in healthy people in order to timely detect possible deviations and diet corrections. Research should be carried out not only on total cholesterol, but also on the level of each type separately. The ratio of the three types of cholesterol gives full picture state of human health.

Having received the results of a lipid profile, you should not attempt to decipher it yourself. The laboratory form contains information that the norms of indicators depend on the research method. Therefore, only a specialist can evaluate the result.

If your cholesterol is high

An increase in the indicator indicates the following problems:

1. Cardiac ischemia;
2. Atherosclerosis;
3. Kidney and liver diseases;
4. Diabetes;
5. Pancreatic dysfunction;
6. Purulent inflammatory process.

In older people (over 85 years of age), cholesterol levels may be elevated. This is believed to prevent the development of cancer.

If cholesterol is low

Since cholesterol is necessary for normal metabolism, its decrease affects health.

Common causes of hypocholesteremia (low cholesterol in the blood) - overindulgence diets, smoking, frequent stress.

Low blood cholesterol may indicate:

• infectious diseases;
• increased thyroid function;
• disturbances in the functioning of the heart.

Thus, a blood test for cholesterol allows us to identify the occurrence and development of the most various diseases. Wherein great value has not only general level indicator, and the ratio of LDL and HDL.

You already understand that the presence of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) leads to the development of vascular problems, and “good” cholesterol (HDL) is necessary for normal metabolism.

How to donate blood for cholesterol

Preparation and requirements for conducting a test to determine cholesterol levels

You need to donate blood from a vein. Every laboratory conducts such studies. To get the maximum reliable result, preparation required:

1. You need to donate blood on an empty stomach. The last meal should be at least 10 hours before the procedure. But you should not fast for more than 14 hours.
2. Eliminate use fatty foods 2 days before the study. This is especially true for overweight people.
3. Stop using alcoholic drinks one day before donating blood.
4. Limit smoking until the test (at least a few hours).
5. Do not drink soft drinks 6 hours before the test.
6. When extreme thirst the patient is allowed to drink a glass still water on the eve of the analysis.
7. The patient should sit or lie down for half an hour before donating blood, especially if he walked quickly or climbed the stairs before the test.
8. It is not recommended to take an x-ray before donating blood.
9. Some medications can affect blood cholesterol levels. Therefore, you should tell your doctor if you are taking medications. Before having a blood test for cholesterol, you must stop using medicines, lowering lipid content.

Menstruation does not affect cholesterol levels. Therefore, women can donate blood during their periods.

It often happens that patients are prepared in advance for pain and discomfort when taking blood. Such people are advised not to observe the process of blood sampling, but to turn away and think about something pleasant.
After the procedure, you should sit for a while and then go out into the fresh air.

You can receive your analysis results the very next day.

Pharmacies sell special tests to determine cholesterol levels at home. However, the results of such studies are not sufficiently reliable.

Decoding the lipid profile

So, you received the result of a blood test for cholesterol and you see the results of several indicators there.

Components of a lipid profile:

• total cholesterol;
• high and low density lipoproteins;
• triglycerides (TG);
• atherogenic index (or KA - atherogenic coefficient).

Remember!

A normal indicator of total cholesterol (TC total) is below 5 mmol/l. But if you have had a heart attack, stroke (stroke), are sick with coronary artery disease, angina pectoris, diabetes mellitus, intermittent claudication, then total cholesterol should be below 4.0 mmol/l, and LDL level should be less than 1.8 mmol/l.

The HDL level should be high enough for the atherogenic index to be above three (HDL - from 0.70 to 1.73 mmol/l).

An increase in LDL means atherogenic pathology, which indicates possible emergence atherosclerosis. A decrease in the indicator indicates the manifestation of the antiatherogenic fraction, which reduces the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis.

HDL norm: for men - 0.72 - 1.63 mmol/l, for women 0.86-2.28 mmol/l. If HDL and LDL are normal, the vessels tend to gradually clear. But if LDL is higher than normal and HDL is lower than normal, this means that atherosclerosis is progressing in the body.

Triglycerides are organic compounds that enter the human body with food. Their synthesis occurs in the cells of adipose tissue, and then in the liver.

Elevated triglycerides indicate the following problems:

• diabetes;
• panccreatitis;
• hypothyroidism;
• liver diseases;
• obesity;
• renal failure.

Triglycerides may increase with consumption hormonal contraceptives and during pregnancy.

A decrease in triglycerides indicates the presence of the following pathologies:

• nutritional deficiencies;
• kidney diseases;
• injuries and burns;
• heart attack;
• chronic lung diseases;
• hyperthyroidism.

Excessive intake of vitamin C helps lower triglyceride levels.

The norm of the atherogenic index may vary depending on the age of the subject. For children, the norm can be 1–1.5, for people over 40 years old 2.5–3.5 units, for middle age the indicator ranges from 2 to 3. If the atherogenicity index is above 3, this indicates that the risk the development of atherosclerosis is very high.

An increase in the atherogenic index to 7–8 units is critical and requires immediate therapeutic measures.

A cholesterol blood test (lipid profile) can tell you a lot about your health. It is important to pass it correctly and not to decipher the results of the lipid profile yourself. Let the doctor do it!

Cardiovascular diseases are currently the leading cause of death in the world. Therefore, the fight against them requires a complex and multifaceted approach, both in treatment and diagnosis. One of the mechanisms for the development of heart pathology is a change in the walls of blood vessels and the formation of so-called atherosclerotic plaques on them. These formations are a section of the wall impregnated with lipid-like substances or fats - cholesterol and triglycerides. The leading factor in the development of this process is high level fat-like substances in the blood, therefore, as part of the diagnosis of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, a lipid profile is often studied. This research method allows you to determine the amount of lipids in the blood and a number of other criteria for fat metabolism.

Some lipid profile indicators (cholesterol levels, the amount of certain fractions of lipoprotein complexes) are determined within the framework. However, this study does not provide a complete picture of fat composition blood. In addition, if there are signs of atherosclerosis and other lipid metabolism disorders, it is more logical to conduct a highly specialized study than to determine many more not so important indicators biochemical composition blood.

In the blood of a healthy person, cholesterol and other lipids are a normal component - in particular, the cell membranes of absolutely all cells are built from fat-like substances. In addition, it is with the blood that fats are transported from the intestines to the tissues and from the body’s “reserves” to the place of their consumption - as is known, lipids are a very productive source of energy. Therefore, it is not the detection of lipids in the blood itself that has diagnostic value, but the excess of their level acceptable standards. At the same time, this indicator can undergo quite significant fluctuations under the influence various kinds external and internal factors. For this reason, in order to reflect the most correct picture of lipid levels, it is necessary to adhere to certain rules before taking the test:

• Eating food, especially fatty foods, should be avoided on the eve of the test. It is best to stick to a normal diet and simply skip dinner before drawing blood the next day.
• Strong physical and emotional stress the day before the study is undesirable - this causes the mobilization of the body's resources, which can affect the results of the study.
• Smoking immediately before taking a lipid profile test also leads to an increase in the level of fats in the blood and a distortion of the diagnostic picture.
• At constant reception any medications, it is necessary to indicate this fact to the attending physician. Row medicinal substances, such as some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, beta blockers, hormonal drugs(including oral contraceptives) actively affect cholesterol and lipid levels.

After the analysis, the main indicators of the lipid profile are determined and interpreted.

Decoding the analysis results

The main blood lipids are cholesterol and triglycerides - analogues of ordinary fats. However, as is known, fat-like substances do not dissolve in water, which is the basis of blood plasma. In this regard, proteins are required for the transport of such compounds. They combine with fats to form special complexes called lipoproteins, which can be transported through the bloodstream to tissues. The absorption of these complexes by cells occurs with the help of special receptors on the inner surface of blood vessels.

Taking into account the fact that the density of protein approaches the density of water, and the specific gravity of lipids is much lower, the ratio of the amounts of these two components of the lipoprotein complex affects its average density. On this basis, a methodology was developed. As part of determining the lipid profile, the amount of cholesterol in each fraction is determined (which reflects total a certain type of lipoprotein), as well as the total amount of cholesterol and triglycerides. Based on the data obtained, another important indicator of the lipid profile is calculated - the atherogenic coefficient.

In some laboratories, an additional fraction of protein-fat complexes is determined - intermediate density lipoproteins (IDL). However, their number does not play a significant diagnostic role.

Characteristics of lipid profile indicators and interpretation of results

One of the main indicators of a lipid profile is the amount. IN last years A lot of materials have been published about its dangers to health, and there are still calls for the exclusion of foods high in cholesterol (for example, animal fats, egg yolks) from the human diet. However, there are two sources of this fat-like substance in the human body. One, exogenous, is caused by consumption fatty foods, the other, endogenous, which consists in the formation of cholesterol within the body itself. In some metabolic disorders, the formation of this compound occurs faster than usual, which contributes to its increase in the blood. It is estimated that the role of endogenous cholesterol in the development of atherosclerosis and other metabolic disorders is many times higher than its intake from food.

Not only metabolic changes, but also some diseases can increase the values ​​of this indicator. Thus, with diabetes mellitus, a certain metabolic block is formed, which leads to the appearance large quantity ketone bodies and cholesterol. For this reason, patients with diabetes often develop hypercholesterolemia. Another disease that causes an increase in this lipid profile criterion is renal failure and glomerulonephritis. With this pathology there is big loss blood plasma protein in the urine due to impaired functioning of the renal filter. This leads to disruption rheological properties blood (viscosity, fluidity, oncotic pressure). In such a situation, the body compensatory releases a large amount of lipoproteins, which at least slightly help preserve normal indicators blood systems.

Taking into account the fact that increased lipid levels are an acute problem of global importance, according to WHO recommendations, an international scale was developed for each lipid profile indicator, reflecting the danger of each level. For total cholesterol it looks like this:

• the optimal value is no more than 5.15 mmol/l;
• borderline elevated – 5.15-6.18 mmol/l;
• high value – more than 6.2 mmol/l.

Usually in balance with the amount of cholesterol. That is, their growth at different pathological conditions happens almost simultaneously. This relationship occurs because these two fat-like compounds transport almost the same types of lipoproteins. Due to this this indicator usually considered in conjunction with the entire lipid profile, and also as an indicator of the correctness of the analysis. The thing is that in the case of an individual increase in triglycerides against the background of a normal or not so high level of total cholesterol, the study is considered unreliable. It simply means that the person has recently consumed a large amount of fat in food, which distorts the test results.

However, international outcome measures have also been developed for triglyceride levels:

• normal value – no more than 1.7 mmol/l;
• borderline elevated – 1.7-2.2 mmol/l;
• high value – 2.3-5.6 mmol/l;
• extremely high value - more than 5.6 mmol/l.

However absolute values both cholesterol and triglycerides directly depend on the number of lipoproteins containing these substances. And among them there are useful and more harmful factions. As a matter of fact, it is the existence of these complexes and the peculiarities of their metabolism that owes its right to existence to the argument about the division of cholesterol into “good” and “bad”. Some of them perform useful function and provide fat-like substances to organs and tissues, while others (containing “bad” cholesterol) provoke the development of atherosclerosis.

Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) so named because the amount of fat in them exceeds the amount of protein, which leads to a lower specific gravity or density. It is these complexes, along with VLDL, that are considered the main culprits of atherosclerotic transformations in the vascular wall. This happens for the reason that there are quite a few receptors for this fraction in cells, which serve as a landing platform for lipoproteins, and moreover, most of them are located in functional dependence from the functioning of HDL receptors. This leads to the fact that when excessive education of these complexes (with an unbalanced diet, endocrine diseases, kidney pathologies) they do not have time to penetrate and be processed in the tissues and accumulate in the blood. At a certain critical concentration they are able to saturate weak spots vascular wall and cause the development of atherosclerotic plaque.

It is the level of this fraction of lipoproteins that makes the greatest contribution to the amount of total cholesterol. Being the most common class of these complexes, in the body of a healthy person it performs an important and useful function of transporting a significant amount of fat-like substances. However, this is only possible if they are adequately combined with lipoproteins of other classes - any imbalance in the system leads to the accumulation of these protein-fat compounds. The international scale for assessing the results of studying the amount of LDL looks like this:

• the optimal value is no more than 2.6 mmol/l;
• above the optimal value – 2.6-3.35 mmol/l;
• borderline elevated – 3.36-4.12 mmol/l;
• high value – 4.15-4.9 mmol/l;
• very high value - more than 4.9 mmol/l.

Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) have an ambiguous assessment in the scientific medical community. Almost all experts unanimously consider them to be the main culprits in the development of atherosclerosis, along with LDL, but if it is proven with regard to the latter that normal quantities Since they are a constant and important component of blood plasma, this is not yet reliably known about VLDL. There are opinions that this type of complexes in itself is pathological form lipoproteins - this is indirectly proven by the fact that receptors for it have not yet been discovered. In general, we can say that high values ​​of this lipid profile indicator in any case indicate metabolic disorders. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the “status” of VLDL, international criteria for the safety of their quantities have not yet been developed.

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are a physiological and important component of blood. It is this fraction of protein-fat complexes that has a pronounced anti-atherosclerotic effect - that is, it not only does not provoke fatty infiltration of the vessel walls, but also actively resists it. This effect is mainly achieved due to the interaction of receptors with various types lipoproteins. There are a lot of such landing sites for HDL and they are able to “tear off” receptors for other fractions, facilitating their absorption by tissues and reducing the concentration of harmful lipids in the blood. Moreover, thanks to great content polyunsaturated fatty acids this faction plays a significant role in stabilizing the work nervous system. It also contains cholesterol, the “good” part. Therefore, when determining a lipid profile, more negative sign considered to be a decrease HDL level than its increase.

Due to the important role of high-density lipoproteins in blood fat metabolism, international level estimates have also been developed for this indicator:

• Low value ( high risk development of atherosclerosis) – less than 1 mmol/l in men and 1.3 mmol/l in women;
• Average value - ( increased risk development of pathology) – 1-1.3 mmol/l in men and 1.3-1.5 mmol/l in women;
• High value ( low risk development of atherosclerosis) – more than 1.6 mmol/l in both sexes.

It is a kind of result of a lipid profile, which is calculated after determining all its indicators. Although to find out this value, only two criteria are enough - the level of total cholesterol and the amount of high-density lipoproteins. This coefficient reflects the ratio between the amount of LDL, VLDL and HDL - sometimes it is believed that it determines the ratio between bad cholesterol, which, in fact, is also correct. After all, structurally and chemically cholesterol is different types lipoproteins are the same and only the structure of these fractions determines where this fat-like substance will be directed - into the tissues or onto the walls blood vessels. The formula for determining the atherogenicity coefficient looks like this:

The normal value of this indicator is approximately 2.2-3.5. An increase in the coefficient indicates the prevalence of harmful types of lipoprotein complexes, which increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis. Scientists' research has proven high efficiency and the validity of this lipid profile criterion for the diagnosis of many types of metabolic disorders.

A large number of doctors recommend that a lipid profile be determined for all persons over 20 years of age at least once a year. After all, the development of an atherosclerotic plaque against the background of a large amount of lipids in the blood takes long years, but when there are already pronounced changes vessels, then most treatment methods are already ineffective. And only timely determination higher level cholesterol and other fat-like substances will allow you to avoid this with fairly simple measures - adjusting your diet, changing your lifestyle. According to experts, a normal lipid profile is the key to a long and healthy life.

Impaired fat metabolism and atherosclerosis are the main causes of heart and vascular diseases. You can find out the degree of risk of developing atherosclerosis or fat metabolism disorders while there are no intravascular plaques registered by ultrasound sensors using laboratory methods. In this case, a lipid profile comes to the rescue - this is a study of the entire lipid spectrum of the blood.

One of the components of fat metabolism in the body is cholesterol. It is its concentration that reflects the risk of developing vascular pathology. Cholesterol blood test performed as part of biochemical analysis blood, gives an idea of ​​the amount of this substance in a person. Data on total cholesterol do not always allow one to draw a conclusion about the presence of pathology. This is where a lipid profile comes to the rescue, which helps determine not only quantitative, but also qualitative characteristics of lipid metabolism.

Who is prescribed

• Observation by a cardiologist. The test is almost always prescribed for people seeing a doctor for cardiovascular pathology. This does not have to be atherosclerosis - a lipid profile is also indicated for patients with heart defects or disorders of the structure of blood vessels.
• Metabolic disorders. Using this analysis, the dynamics of the condition of patients with diabetes mellitus, pathologies of the thyroid gland and pituitary gland are studied.
• Smoking and alcoholism. These addictions can aggravate everything metabolic disorders and themselves lead to metabolic pathologies.
• Arterial hypertension. Lipid disorders increase the risk vascular accidents with high blood pressure.
• Obesity, physical inactivity. These risk factors for development vascular diseases enhance the negative impact of lipid imbalance on the vascular wall.

If the patient has suffered a heart attack or stroke, then a lipid profile is recommended several times a year. For people with a genetic predisposition (stroke, heart attack in close relatives or hereditary lipid metabolism disorders), doctors advise that after 30 years of age, undergo an examination annually.

Preparing for research: on the way to reliable results

In order to study the lipid spectrum of blood, an analysis of venous plasma is performed. Blood sampling takes place in the morning. In this case, the person being examined must comply with strict restrictions before the procedure.

• On the eve of the study. It is necessary to give up fatty foods, alcohol and smoking, avoid physical activity, eliminate stress. If you had to drink alcohol, it is better to immediately reschedule the examination to another day.
• 12 hours before the examination. You can't eat. You are allowed to drink only clean water.
• In the morning before the analysis. It is advisable to completely relax and calm down. It is necessary to warn medical workers about medications you take regularly, as they can greatly affect the results.

What is a lipid profile: what do the indicators say?

A lipidogram shows the content of substances or fractions in the blood such as:

• total cholesterol or cholesterol (TC);
• high density lipoproteins (HDL);
• low density lipoproteins (LDL);
• triglycerides (TG);
• atherogenic coefficient.

Cholesterol is one of the fundamental substances in the body. It takes part in puberty and is found in the membranes of all cells of the body. That is why the liver synthesizes 80% of the cholesterol determined by the analysis. And only 20% of the substance detected by the lipid profile is due to food intake.

Cholesterol is a fat-soluble substance. It cannot be transported by blood to pure form. That is why the body “packs” it into protein containers. Such protein-lipid complexes are called lipoproteins. There are two main types of these complexes:

• high density lipoproteins- are responsible for the transfer of cholesterol from cells throughout the body to liver cells, they are also called “good” cholesterol;
• low density lipoproteins- are often delayed vascular walls, which leads to the appearance of cholesterol plaques on blood vessels during atherosclerosis, which is why they are called “bad” cholesterol.

The most important indicator of a detailed lipid profile is the amount of low-density lipoproteins. Since they contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, another name for them is “atherogenic”. High-density lipoproteins, on the contrary, are called “anti-atherogenic”. The risk of developing atherosclerosis depends on the ratio of these two fractions.

There are few triglycerides in the blood; they mainly perform storage and energy functions and are deposited in adipose tissue. However, they are part of low-density lipoproteins and very low-density lipoproteins. Therefore, this indicator must be kept under control.

The atherogenicity coefficient is also one of the important indicators. It is determined solely by calculation and is the ratio various types lipoproteins. Typically, the formula used to calculate it is: (TC-HDL)/HDL. The higher the number obtained, the higher the likelihood of vascular diseases.

When the analysis is normal

The following average values ​​can be considered as a normal lipid profile in adults:

• atherogenic coefficient - 2.2 - 3.5;
• TG level - up to 2.8 mmol/l;
• HDL level - not lower than 1.0 mmol/l;
• LDL level - up to 3.37 mmol/l;
• total cholesterol - up to 5.6 mmol/l.

These lipid profile values ​​reflect the norm for middle-aged men.

What pathology does it reveal?

Most often, in the case of pathology, interpretation of the lipid profile in adults reveals high levels of cholesterol in the blood - hypercholesterolemia. If cholesterol levels are elevated, this may indicate the presence of the following diseases and conditions:

• pregnancy;
• lung diseases;
• alcoholism;
• pancreatitis;
• excess weight;
• diabetes;
• hypothyroidism;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• megaloblastic anemia;
• kidney diseases.

But most often hypercholesterolemia reflects the presence of atherosclerosis. Moreover, the reason for its occurrence is not only poor nutrition. Since 80% of cholesterol is produced by the body itself, most often it is endogenous lipid metabolism disorders, inherited or acquired during life, that cause high levels of the substance in the blood.

What do triglycerides and lipoproteins indicate?

When the concentration of triglycerides in the blood is more than 2.3 mmol/l, this often reflects developing atherosclerosis. Values ​​from 1.8 to 2.2 mmol/l indicate that the body is fine. Triglyceride levels are also high during the development of diabetes mellitus. An increase or decrease in the level of these substances relative to the norm may also indicate:

• presence of lung diseases;
• viral hepatitis;
• errors in nutrition;
• coronary heart disease;
• obesity;
• hypertension.

If an analysis for HDL cholesterol reveals that the levels are lower than normal (below 1.0 mmol/l), this means that the person has atherosclerosis and, probably, coronary heart disease. An HDL lipid profile may also indicate symptoms of hyperthyroidism, a hereditary disorder of HDL metabolism (Tangier syndrome), hepatic encephalopathy(Reye's syndrome), anorexia, diabetes mellitus, kidney and liver diseases, chronic anemia, excess fat-containing foods.

Pathology can also be determined by testing for LDL cholesterol. This type of lipid profile helps to identify:

• ulcers;
• tuberculosis;
• heart attacks;
• infectious diseases in the acute stage;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• kidney disease;
• intestinal tumors;
• alcoholism.

Why do you need an atherogenic coefficient?

If the obtained value is less than 3, therefore, the HDL content is high - the development of atherosclerosis is unlikely. If the coefficient falls in the range from 3 to 4, the occurrence of atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease is predicted with high probability. If the coefficient is greater than 5, then the risk of developing diseases becomes critical.

The influence of gender and age on the result

Analysis values ​​will differ among people from different age groups, and also depending on gender. Lipid profile norms in women and men can be compared using the data in the following table as an example.

Table - Reference interval depending on gender

Depending on age, the content of the main types of lipids in the body also changes. According to statistics, at the age of 30 years the total amount of cholesterol in women is 3.4-6.3, and after 50 years it reaches 4.0-7.2. After 60 years, the cholesterol level should be 3.5-7.1. The content of all lipoproteins changes in a similar way.

Thus, the lipid profile occupies one of most important places in diagnostics general condition health. Using this analysis, the development of many diseases can be determined with great confidence. It is important to take into account the presence of many factors: the patient’s gender and age, weight and presence bad habits or special conditions. For example, the normal lipid profile in women during pregnancy increases very significantly. And for older people, the boundaries normal values will be very different from the expected indicators for young people.

Cholesterol is a lipoprotein, and in the human body it is present in the blood and in cell membranes. Blood cholesterol is represented by cholesterol esters, and in membranes - free cholesterol. Cholesterol is vital necessary substance, as it participates in the formation of bile, sex hormones, and imparts hardness to the cell membrane. The idea that cholesterol = harm is wrong. A lack of cholesterol is more dangerous for the body than its excess. However, an excess amount of cholesterol in the blood is a prerequisite for the development of such diseases as atherosclerosis. Therefore, the determination of cholesterol is a marker of the development of atherosclerosis.

How to take a blood test for cholesterol?

The author warns that the normal values ​​are averaged and may differ in each laboratory. The material in the article should be used as a reference and no attempts should be made to make a diagnosis or begin treatment on your own.

Lipidogram - what is it?
Today the concentration of the following blood lipoproteins is determined:

1. Total cholesterol
2. High-density lipoproteins (HDL or α-cholesterol),
3. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL beta cholesterol).
4. Triglycerides (TG)

HDL, on the contrary, are antiatherogenic fraction, as they reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis.

Triglycerides are a transport form of fats, so they high content in the blood also leads to the risk of developing atherosclerosis. All these indicators, taken together or separately, are used to diagnose atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and also to determine the risk group for the development of these diseases. Also used as treatment control.

Read more about coronary heart disease in the article: Angina pectoris

“Bad” and “good” cholesterol – what are they?

HDL, on the contrary, is “good” cholesterol, which removes atherosclerotic plaques from the walls of blood vessels. Therefore, it is more informative and correct to determine cholesterol fractions, and not just total cholesterol. After all, total cholesterol consists of all fractions. For example, the cholesterol concentration in two people is 6 mmol/l, but in one of them 4 mmol/l is HDL, and in the other the same 4 mmol/l is LDL. Of course, the person who has higher HDL concentration can be calm, and a person whose LDL level is higher should take care of his health. This is the possible difference, with seemingly the same level of total cholesterol.

Lipid profile norms - cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, atherogenicity coefficient

Hypercholesterolemia occurs as a result of unbalanced nutrition in healthy people(excessive consumption of fatty foods - fatty meat, coconut, palm oil) or as a hereditary pathology.

Normal blood lipids

Atherogenic coefficient (AC)

How to calculate CA?

Decoding the values ​​of the atherogenic coefficient

• If the CA of atherosclerosis is minimal.
• If KA is 3-4, then the content of atherogenic fractions is higher, then there is a high probability of developing atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD),
• If KA > 5 - indicates that a person has a high probability of atherosclerosis, which significantly increases the likelihood of vascular diseases of the heart, brain, limbs, kidneys

In order to normalize fat metabolism, it is necessary to strive for the following blood parameters:

What do abnormal lipid profile indicators indicate?

Triglycerides

LDL

HDL

Read about the complication of atherosclerosis - stroke: