Cholesterol 5: what is dangerous level 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9?
Cholesterol is a complex fat-like substance found in the membranes of every living cell. The element takes an active part in the production of steroid hormones, promotes the rapid absorption of calcium, and regulates the synthesis of vitamin D.
If total cholesterol is 5 units, is it dangerous? This value is considered normal, does not exceed the recommended rate. With an increase in the concentration of cholesterol, they talk about the risk of developing atherosclerosis.
The norm of cholesterol levels for men and women is different, it also depends on the age group of the person. The older the patient, the higher the normal value of OH, HDL and HDL in the body.
Consider normal blood cholesterol values, the danger of hypercholesterolemia , as well as ways to normalize low density lipoproteins.
Cholesterol in the blood: norm and deviation
When a patient finds out his cholesterol result – 5.0-5.1 units, he is primarily interested in how bad this value is? There are many myths around the fat-like substance, and many believe that it only brings harm. But it’s not.
Cholesterol is a special substance in the body that helps the cardiovascular, reproductive and nervous systems to function normally. In order for the body to function fully, cholesterol balance is required.
The study of cholesterol levels is carried out in the laboratory. The biological material is venous fluid. Statistics note that laboratories often make mistakes, so it is recommended to take the analysis several times.
The norm of cholesterol in women is as follows:
- OH varies from 3.6 to 5.2 units – a normal value, from 5.2 to 6.2 – a moderately elevated value, high rates – from 6.20 mmol / l;
- The normal value of low density lipoprotein is up to 4.0 units. Ideally – 3.5 – low risk of developing atherosclerotic changes;
- The normal high-density lipoprotein ranges from 0.9 to 1.9 mmol per liter.
If a young girl has LDL of 4.5 mmol per liter, HDL is less than 0.7, then they speak of a high probability of developing atherosclerosis – the risk increases three times.
Despite the fact that cholesterol values – 5.2-5.3, 5.62-5.86 mmol / l are within normal limits, the patient still has a risk of damage to blood vessels, therefore, prevention of the formation of atherosclerotic plaques is required.
The norm of cholesterol in men is represented by the following values:
- OH is similar to female indicators.
- LDL varies from 2.25 to 4.83 mmol/l.
- HDL – from 0.7 to 1.7 units.
The level of triglycerides plays an important role in assessing the risk of atherosclerosis. The indicator is identical for men and women. Normally, the value of triglycerides is up to 2 units inclusive; limiting, but acceptable rate – up to 2.2. A high level is said when the analysis showed a result of 2.3-5.4 / 5.5 mmol per liter. Very high concentration – from 5.7 units.
Note that in many laboratories, the methods for determining cholesterol and the reference values \u200b\u200bare different, so you need to focus on the standards of the laboratory where the blood test was performed.
The danger of high cholesterol
A healthy person who does not have a history of chronic diseases should periodically undergo a study to determine cholesterol – once every few years.
With diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, thyroid pathologies and other diseases, more frequent monitoring is required – 2-3 times a year.
Causes of high cholesterol – non-compliance with the diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, use of drugs, pregnancy, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure.
Cholesterol itself is not dangerous. But when LDL increases, while the amount of HDL decreases, pathological processes develop.
Atherosclerosis provokes the following diseases:
- Ischemic heart disease, heart attack. Against the background of narrowing of the lumen of the blood vessels, there is a paroxysmal pain syndrome in the chest area. This attack in medicine is called angina pectoris. If high cholesterol is not reduced, the blood vessel becomes clogged, myocardial infarction occurs;
- Hemorrhage in the brain. Cholesterol can accumulate in any vessels, including those that feed the brain. With the accumulation of cholesterol in the brain, frequent migraines, dizziness, impaired concentration, and deterioration in visual perception appear. Due to insufficient nutrition of the brain, hemorrhage develops;
- Insufficiency of internal organs. If high cholesterol in the body is not reduced in a timely manner, then the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques in the vessels leading to any organ reduces its nutrition, and deficiency develops. This can lead to serious illness or death due to organ failure;
- A persistent increase in blood pressure in diabetes can be caused by atherosclerotic plaques. The heart muscle experiences a double load, the risk of a heart attack doubles.
Cholesterol 5.9 is not good, despite the fact that the value is valid.
If there is a tendency to increase the content of fatty alcohol, treatment is necessary, focused on the normalization of lipid metabolism.
Ways to normalize cholesterol
Reviews of doctors note that a slight increase in cholesterol is treated with the help of proper nutrition and sports. It is not necessary to take pills – statins and fibrates that reduce the level of LDL in the blood. General wellness activities have been shown to help normalize values.
Optimal exercise is recommended for all diabetics. It is better to choose dynamic movements in the fresh air. Regular walking helps reduce concentration by 10-15% of the initial level, which reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The second point of therapy is sufficient rest. You need to sleep at least eight hours a day. The optimal time period for sleep is from 22.00 to 6.00 in the morning.
With severe stress, nervous tension or neurosis, a large amount of adrenaline and glucocorticosteroids are synthesized in the body . It is these substances that potentiate the production of cholesterol in the liver. Therefore, it is important to maintain emotional balance, avoid stressful situations, and be less nervous.
Food helps to normalize cholesterol metabolism. The menu includes the following foods:
- Vegetables and fruits abound in organic fiber, which binds excess cholesterol and removes from the body.
- Lean meat and poultry.
- Low fat dairy products.
- Buckwheat, rice
- Dried black bread.
If a diabetic has cholesterol over 6 units, there is a tendency to increase against the background of dietary nutrition, medications are prescribed. The dosage is determined individually. Take into account age, chronic diseases, general well-being.