Cholesterol is an essential type of fat for the proper functioning of the body, however, having high blood cholesterol is not always good and can even increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as a heart attack or stroke.
To understand whether high cholesterol is bad or not a problem, it is necessary to interpret the blood test correctly, because there are 3 values that need to be evaluated properly:
- Therefore.
- If total cholesterol is high.
- But HDL cholesterol levels are higher than recommended reference values.
- This generally does not indicate a high risk of disease.
- As excess cholesterol will be eliminated by the liver; However.
- If total cholesterol is high.
- But this is due to the presence of an LDL value higher than the reference values.
- Excess cholesterol will be stored in cells and veins.
- Rather than being eliminated.
- Increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems.
In short, the higher the HDL value and the lower the LDL value, the lower the risk of having a cardiovascular problem.
Think more about what each type of cholesterol means and what the recommended levels are:
HDL cholesterol is known as “good” cholesterol, making it the only cholesterol that should remain high in the bloodstream.It is produced by the body, being fundamental for the proper functioning of the organism, so it is good to always have it up 40 mg / dL, and ideally above 60 mg / dL.
Under:
less than 40 mg/dl
OK:
above 40 mg/dl
Ideal:
above 60 mg/dl
How to increase it: To increase HDL cholesterol it is necessary to eat a varied and healthy diet and exercise regularly, in addition to avoiding risk factors such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.
Learn more about HDL cholesterol and how to increase it.
LDL cholesterol is a “bad” cholesterol. It is considered high when it is 130 mg/dL or more for most people, however, in some cases, stricter controls are needed, especially if the person has had a cardiovascular problem in the past or if they have another risk factor.such as being a smoker, being overweight or not exercising.
When LDL cholesterol is high, fat deposits begin to form in the walls of blood vessels, forming fat plaques that can eventually interfere with the passage of blood and cause a heart attack or stroke, for example.
How to reduce it: To reduce LDL cholesterol in the blood, it is necessary to follow a diet low in sugar and fat and exercise at least 3 times a week; However, when these attitudes alone aren’t enough, your doctor may recommend using medications to lower your levels.Learn more about LDL cholesterol and how to reduce it.
The LDL value should always be as low as possible and therefore, for the general population, LDL should be kept below 130 mg / dL; however, people at high risk for cardiovascular disease have even lower LDL levels.
Thus, the maximum LDL values vary depending on the cardiovascular risk of each person:
Cardiovascular risk should be determined by the cardiologist in the consultation after observation of the necessary tests and clinical evaluation.Normally, people with sedentary lifestyles, who do not eat properly, who are overweight, and who have other risk factors such as smoking or alcohol consumption, have a high cardiovascular risk and should therefore have a low LDL.
Another simpler way to calculate cardiovascular risk is to perform a waist-to-hip ratio, although this relationship can be done at home to get an idea of cardiovascular risk, consultation with the cardiologist should not be postponed, as a more detailed assessment is required..
Calculate your cardiovascular risk here using the waist-hip ratio
VLDL cholesterol carries triglycerides and also increases the risk of heart disease.VLDL reference parameters are generally:
However, in the latest recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology, VLDL values are not considered relevant, as non-HDL cholesterol values are higher, with a target of 30 mg/dL above LDL.
Total cholesterol is the sum of HDL, LDL and VLDL.Having high total cholesterol represents a high risk of cardiovascular disease and therefore its values should not exceed 190 mg/dL.
Total cholesterol above 190 is less worrisome if your LDL values are normal, but you should take precautions, such as reducing your intake of high-fat foods to prevent your cholesterol from rising too much and causing damage.your health. A good tip is to reduce your intake of red meats.The reference values for cholesterol are:
Find out what you need to do to lower your cholesterol in the video below: