Focus on cholesterol

Produced 75% by the liver and brought to 25% by the diet, cholesterol is an essential lipid to the body. It is an integral part of the cell membranes, participates in the manufacture of certain hormones, the production of bile and the synthesis of vitamin D.

Cholesterol is therefore necessary for the proper functioning of the body but, in excess, it is liable to be deposited in the wall of the arteries and, ultimately, to impede the blood circulation.

The excess of cholesterol in the blood concerns 20 to 30% * of the French population and can be at the origin of cardio-vascular imbalances.

 * National Program for the Reduction of Cardiovascular Risks 2002-2005. Rudchini A et al. Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in a population. J. Hypertens. Suppl. 1998; 16 (1): S85-S90. 

GOOD OR BAD CHOLESTEROL?

There are two types of cholesterol commonly called good and bad cholesterol:

• Good cholesterol or HDL-cholesterol is bound to high density proteins (HDL). They collect excess cholesterol in the arteries and transport it to the liver where it will be metabolized and eliminated.
• Bad cholesterol or LDL-cholesterol is linked to low-density proteins. They carry cholesterol from the liver to the tissues. In excess, bad cholesterol can infiltrate and accumulate in the artery wall causing fatty deposits that, gradually, can impede blood circulation.

WHAT DOES "CHOLESTEROL" MEAN?

Cholesterol is measured in grams per liter of blood (g / L), sometimes also in millimoles per liter (mmol / L). The ideal rate should not exceed 2 g / L for adults. In general, doctors prefer to request a specific dosage of LDL- and HDL-cholesterol.

Today, the currently recommended LDL-cholesterol level is considered to be less than 1.6 g / L and depends on the value of other biological parameters (BMI *, blood pressure, etc.). The HDL-cholesterol assay, for its part, makes it possible to calculate the following ratio: (total cholesterol / HDL-cholesterol) less than or equal to 4.5. Above, it is estimated that the arterial risk is greater.

* BMI: Body Mass Index

KNOW YOUR CHOLESTEROL

When to do a blood test? It can be done in adulthood or earlier if there is a family history of excess cholesterol. Only a doctor can diagnose an excess of blood cholesterol.

FROM WHAT AGE SHOULD THE CHOLESTEROL BE MONITORED?

Good eating habits should be taken as soon as possible! Since childhood, it is necessary to monitor its food hygiene and limit the consumption of foods too fat, and that especially if there is a family history.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF EXCESS CHOLESTEROL?

The regulation of cholesterol depends mainly on 2 factors:

• Genetic Factor: The body can make excess cholesterol for genetic reasons. In this case, a suitable diet can help limit excess cholesterol.
• Nutritional Factor: Diet plays an important role in cholesterol levels. It is recommended that cholesterol dietary intakes do not exceed 300 mg per day. Cholesterol is found in foods of animal origin and foods high in saturated fats (charcuterie, eggs, offal, foie gras ...).

Other factors may cause high cholesterol levels or may aggravate an already existing excess. Examples include overweight, high blood glucose, tobacco, stress, or lack of physical activity.

Your doctor remains your best counselor.

Source: Lescuyer Laboratory