Cholesterol or cholesterol - a fatty alcohol, which is contained in all, without exception, the body's cells. He needed to produce hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help digest food. The body can produce all he needs cholesterol, but it is also found in some foods.

Cholesterol moves through the circulatory system in small complexes called lipoproteins. They consist of fats (lipids) in, and proteins (proteins) outside. There are two types of lipoproteins containing cholesterol: low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL). It is important that the level of both views liproproteina was within normal limits.

LDL cholesterol is sometimes referred to as poor or bad cholesterol. High levels of LDL leads to the accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries, which can have some serious health consequences. HDL cholesterol is often referred useful because it delivers cholesterol from various parts of the body to the liver before it is excreted.

Elevated cholesterol

By itself, the high cholesterol does not cause any symptoms. Many people may be in for a long time do not realize that they have too high cholesterol. However, such people are at increased risk for heart disease Heart disease - symptoms of heart disease . In general, the higher the level of LDL cholesterol, the greater the likelihood of heart disease, such as coronary heart disease. The opposite is true: the lower the level of LDL cholesterol, the lower the risk that a person will develop heart disease.

The process of developing coronary heart disease. In this disorder in the coronary artery plaque is formed consisting of cholesterol, fat, calcium and other substances contained in the blood. The formation of such plaques in arteries called atherosclerosis Atherosclerosis - when problems with blood vessels .

Eventually, the plaque hardens and reduces the lumen of the coronary artery. Because of this, in the heart receives less oxygen enriched blood. Gradually, on the surface of plaque can form a blood clot; if it becomes very large, which may result in complete blockage of blood flow through the coronary artery. The results of this could be angina or a heart attack.

Angina patients discomfort and oppressive chest pain Chest pain . Pain can also be felt in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw and back. Sometimes the pain caused by angina, similar to the feeling that there are indigestion.

Heart attack begins when the inflow stops oxygenated blood to one of the areas of the heart muscle. If the blood supply to that area is restored quickly enough, the muscle tissue begins to die. Without prompt medical attention a heart attack can cause serious health problems or death.

Plaques can be formed not only in the coronary arteries, but any other, e.g., in the arteries that supply blood to the brain, or in the lower limbs. This can result in a stroke, carotid stenosis and peripheral artery disease.

Lowering LDL cholesterol levels can slow down or even stop the progression of atherosclerosis and disorders that can cause it.

How to lower cholesterol without the aid of drugs?

If you have elevated cholesterol levels, this is not a sentence; Moreover, this problem can be overcome without the help of medication. However, to take measures to reduce the level of LDL cholesterol should be as soon as possible, even if now you feel good and you do not have heart problems. It is expected that every second woman in varying degrees, increased cholesterol levels and, as we have said, in the long term it can lead to serious health problems.

• Start eating right. Eat more nizkoglikemicheskih foods containing dietary fiber, phytonutrients and omega-3. the basis of the diet should be plant foods: fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, seeds and nuts, as well as the protein products of animal origin - fish, milk, lean meat. It is advisable to eat organic foods, but if you do not have such an opportunity, change in diet will still benefit greatly. Limit your intake of foods that contain saturated fats and trans fats, simple carbohydrates, and various food additives. Eat as little as possible intermediates, and try to better prepare themselves.
• Drink enough water. Water is essential for normal functioning of the whole body; If cells get enough moisture, it has a beneficial effect on the functioning of internal organs, and the overall health and appearance.
• Exercise and generally move more: you walk, ride a bike, play outdoor games.
• Get enough sleep. Healthy sleep is necessary for recovery and stabilization of the production of a variety of substances necessary for its normal functioning.
• Take supplements containing omega-3, chromium, biotin, lipoic acid, vitamin D. Sometimes people with elevated cholesterol levels is useful taking high doses of niacin - vitamin B3, but this treatment should be prescribed by a doctor.

Drugs to lower cholesterol

Statins block the activity of an enzyme that promotes the production of cholesterol. As a result, the blood cholesterol level is reduced gradually. By statins are drugs such as simvastatin, atorvastatin, and rosuvastatin. Among the side effects of statins - muscle pain, stomach problems, headaches, malaise, and insomnia.

Niacin normalizes LDL cholesterol and raises HDL cholesterol. High doses of niacin can cause reddening of the skin, but the new drugs, which include a substance that minimize the likelihood of this side effect. Patients who take niacin is recommended to make a blood test to make sure that the drug has no effect on the liver.

Ezetimibe - a drug that blocks the absorption of cholesterol of their food. Typically, it is less effective than statins, but it causes fewer side effects.