High cholesterol – Symptoms and causes

Increased level of fat in the blood

Cholesterol is a lipid found in cell membranes in all tissues. Because cholesterol participates in the formation of bile acid, sex hormones and the adrenal hormone, it is essential for the body.

Approximately two-thirds of cholesterol is synthesized in the liver, and only a third is fed with food.

Cholesterol binds to plasma proteins by building a complex called lipoprotein, and it spreads through the body.

There are two types of lipoproteins:

• Low density lipoprotein, the so-called. “bad” cholesterol (LDL), which carry a high concentration of cholesterol and blood vessels, produces atheromatous deposits that cause cardiovascular diseases
• “Good” cholesterol (HDL) – lipoproteins that carry a low cholesterol concentration and create the elasticity of the blood vessels, so that its lack makes the blood vessels rigid and inelastic.

Triglycerides are forgiving lipids that provide energy for the body. Their degradation begins in the small intestine and continues in the liver, whereby fatty acids are released which, through the oxidation process, release the energy necessary for the functioning of the cells in the body.

The food we consume contains calories in the form of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. When consuming more calories than necessary, and especially fast carbohydrates, excess carbohydrates are stored in the form of triglycerides.

Reference values ​​of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood

Initially, increased cholesterol in the blood does not give any significant symptoms, so many people are unaware of it until they perform laboratory blood tests.

Before taking test examins of  fat in your blood, it is important to always have a break of at least 12 hours from the last meal that should not be plentiful and fat, and only water must be drunk before the blood test.

– Total cholesterol 5.0 mmol / l

– LDL – cholesterol <3.0 mmol / l

– HDL – cholesterol> 1.0 mmol / l

– Triglycerides <2.0 mmol / L