Alpha-cholesterol plays an important role in the utilization of excess cholesterol molecules. High-density lipoproteins circulate in the bloodstream and, where there is an increased concentration of cholesterol not consumed by cells, they bind it and transport it to the liver. In hepatocytes, HDL is released from cholesterol under the action of liver enzymes, the latter is excreted from the body with bile.
The higher the level of HDL cholesterol in the blood, the more actively excess cholesterol is removed from the tissues, the less likely the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on the vascular walls, the less chances for the development of cardiovascular pathology. Thus, HDL cholesterol is "good" or antiatherogenic.
The HDL study is a must in the study of lipid metabolism. This analysis is also prescribed as a marker of the effectiveness of non-drug and pharmacological correction of metabolism. The norm is at least 1.5 mmol / l. The lowest value is 1.0.
All patients who have any of the following factors are required to monitor this indicator:
Age over 40;
A sedentary or sedentary lifestyle;
The predominance of animal fats, refined and simple carbohydrates in the diet;
Smoking;
Frequent stress;
Alcohol abuse;
Being overweight;
Cardiovascular diseases in close relatives;
Jumps in blood pressure, especially its frequent increase;
Borderline values of glucose and lipid metabolism indicators in a biochemical blood sample.
Also leads to a pathological decrease:
Renal failure;
Genetic defects in the synthesis of lipoprotein components;
Hepatic pathology with chronic stagnation of bile (cholelithiasis, dyskinesia of the bile duct, hepatitis, cirrhosis, toxic liver damage).
Long-term HDL deficiency leads to the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood vessels and tissues of internal organs, significantly increasing the risk of:
Atherosclerosis of the aorta and arteries;
Atherosclerotic cardiosclerosis;
Angina pectoris;
Heart rhythm disorders;
Myocardial infarction;
Stroke;
Renal dysfunction;
Circulatory disorders in the intestines, limbs.
To prevent these diseases, it is necessary to regularly monitor the level of HDL cholesterol, especially if there are risk factors.
