Cholesterol
Increased levels of blood cholesterol is a lot found laboratory exemption, not only in humans after a heart attack but also in screening or inspections.
Elevated values lead to an increase in so-called atherosclerosis, this increase is a narrowing of the arteries of the body so blood flow to the legs example (“window legs”) and the heart (angina pectoris) decreases. Eventually it can cause such serious defects that amputation of a leg or heart attack risk.
Elevated cholesterol is not enough cargo cover term. We distinguish a number of forms:
- Total cholesterol
- The bad LDL cholesterol
- The triglyceride (fat) content of blood
- The beneficial HDL cholesterol
In assessing the cholesterol your doctor will also take into account these different parameters, and then determine whether treatment is necessary.
At the same existence of other risk-enhancing factors for heart / vascular disease, the following values regarding cholesterol / fat content of the blood:
Total cholesterol <5 mmol / l
LDL cholesterol <3 mmol / l
Triglycerides <2 mmol / l HDL cholesterol> 1 mmol / l
Has your research with only one exception in the cholesterol levels without other risk factors may be considered only lifestyle advice to follow.
There are one or more risk factors than is usually drug intervention (medication) required.
Risk Factors
Known risk factors are smoking, diabetes, obesity and hypertension (high blood pressure).
In addition there hereditary forms of high cholesterol associated with a significantly increased risk of heart / vascular disease.
Finally, there is cause for treatment if there is already evidence of prior heart or vascular disease or a stroke by a clot.
We have to understands that if there are factors that fit in the metabolic syndrome that should be quickly passed to pharmacological intervention.