Lipoproteins are protein-lipid complexes designed for the transport of various compounds from the metabolism of fats, including cholesterol (CS), through the blood vessels. Low density lipoproteins (LDL) are its main carriers from the site of synthesis, i.e. from the liver into the cells.
If a cell needs cholesterol, then it has special receptors on its surface that capture cholesterol-LDL-complexes and absorb it. Otherwise, when LDL is unclaimed, it is captured by the endothelium (inner lining) of the arteries and deposited there, thus forming an atherosclerotic plaque.
This property of LDL makes it atherogenic or "bad." The higher the LDL cholesterol level, the greater the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The LDL norm is less than 2.5 mmol / l, the maximum allowable value is 4.0. This indicator is increased by:
Eating foods high in saturated fatty acids and fast carbohydrates;
Weak physical activity and, as a result, a reduced need for cholesterol against the background of its previous intake into the body;
Genetic predisposition to increased synthesis of low density lipoproteins in hepatocytes;
Alcohol abuse;
Smoking.
For a long time, even high values have no clinical manifestations. But gradually symptoms of lipid metabolism pathology, hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis appear in the body:
Excess body weight;
Increased blood pressure;
Violation of glucose tolerance with the subsequent development of diabetes mellitus;
Poor exercise tolerance, in which there is shortness of breath, palpitations;
The pathology of internal organs develops due to impaired blood circulation in them (angina pectoris, heart and renal failure, endocrine diseases).
The appearance of these symptoms is a direct indication for determining the lipid status. However, in such situations, when fat metabolism is already impaired, its correction requires a lot of effort and time. In order to prevent such a condition, it is necessary after 30 years to regularly (once every 1-2 years) donate blood for biochemical analysis of beta-cholesterol and other indicators of cholesterol metabolism.
