Does high cholesterol cause atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is a pathology of blood vessels, in which the lumen of the artery narrows, blocking the free movement of blood to the organs. The disease provokes the development of dangerous heart diseases, pathologies of other body systems.

To prevent the development of atherosclerosis and the formation of plaques in the vessels, you need to know the causes of their appearance. According to statistics, high cholesterol causes atherosclerosis. What is the norm of cholesterol, how to improve performance, cure atherosclerosis?

Development of atherosclerosis

An atherosclerotic plaque is an accumulation of a fatty substance inside a vessel, on its wall. Several of these plaques, increasing in volume, block the blood flow. Violation of the blood supply causes failure of the body systems. First of all, the heart suffers, which threatens the development of a stroke, heart attack, aortic aneurysm.

Signs of pathology are observed when vasoconstriction has occurred by more than 70%. Only then does the patient experience unpleasant painful sensations. The condition of the affected arteries at that time was severe. This makes it difficult to diagnose and prescribe treatment.

Atherosclerosis is called a polyetiological disease that has several causes. The main component of plaques inside blood vessels is cholesterol. The reason for its accumulation is metabolic failures, as a result of which the level of so-called bad cholesterol rises.

• smoking. The smoker's blood becomes thick, causing the risk of developing blood clots;
• arterial hypertension. An increase in pressure disrupts the blood supply, the pressure on the vessels increases;
• obesity. Fat deposits increase the risk of developing heart disease;
• low physical activity;
• eating foods rich in trans fats, sweets. Improper nutrition disrupts the liver;
• the presence of diabetes mellitus, pathologies of the endocrine system;
• chronic pathologies of the liver;
• frequent stress, psychological stress;
• heredity. The presence of close relatives of hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), stroke or heart attack at an early age, diabetes increases the chances;
• floor. Men are more likely to suffer from atherosclerosis. Women are at risk during menopause;
• age. After 60, the chances of plaques increase. Children are not prone to the development of such a pathology;
• complication of medical treatment. A long course of corticosteroids, hormonal drugs, birth control pills, immunosuppressants requires monitoring of cholesterol levels.

There are several reasons for the development of atherosclerosis. Many can be completely eliminated if you adjust your lifestyle and diet.

Benefit and harm

Cholesterol plays an important role in the functioning of the body.

1. Cholesterol is a component of the cell membrane responsible for its strength and elasticity.
2. The substance ensures the development of cells of important organs (brain, liver).
3. With its help, reproductive hormones (cortisol, testosterone, estrogen) are produced.
4. Regulates the functioning of the nervous system, increases resistance to stress.
5. Improves the functioning of the immune system, has antimicrobial properties.
6. Participates in the synthesis of vitamin D.
7. Due to its antioxidant properties, it reduces the risk of cancer.
8. Normalizes the digestive system.

Only 20-25% of total cholesterol enters the human body as part of food. The main part of the substance is produced by the liver and glands of the reproductive system.

In the body, cholesterol combines with proteins to form lipoproteins.

• low density lipoproteins (LDL);
• very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), half composed of triglycerides;
• high density lipoproteins (HDL).

When the level of LDL rises, they become the basis of plaques in the vessels, provoke the appearance of blood clots.

The optimal balance of "good" and "bad" lipids ensures the health of the body.

1. Infertility.
2. Decreased potency.
3. Menstrual irregularities.
4. Depressive disorders, risk of suicide.
5. Digestive problems.
6. development of diabetes.
7. Skin aging.
8. Osteoporosis.

It is important to know what level of cholesterol allows you to avoid diseases associated with an increase or decrease in indicators.

Norm and deviations

Previously, using a blood test, the total amount of cholesterol was determined, and an increase in the level indicated pathology. But how then to explain atherosclerosis with normal cholesterol?

Now the lipidogram (biochemical analysis) shows the ratio of all groups of lipoproteins to total cholesterol (TC). Using the atherogenic index (AI), doctors determine the patient's propensity to develop atherosclerosis and the degree of progress of the pathology:

IA \u003d (TC-HDL) / HDL

In the formula, total cholesterol is the total amount of lipids, HDL is an indicator of “good” fats. An atherogenic index not exceeding 3.0 is normal. The numbers above the norm indicate a high rate of development of atherosclerosis.

• the total amount is <5.6 mmol/l;
• HDL-cholesterol -> 1 mmol / l (for men), > 1.3 mmol / l (for women);
• low density cholesterol - <3 mmol / l;
• VLDL-cholesterol - <0.3 mmol / l.

The optimal ratio of lipoproteins is low numbers of “bad” lipids and high levels of “good” fats. Imbalance increases the risk of developing pathologies.

1. Muscle weakness.
2. An increase in the size of the lymph nodes.
3. Decreased appetite.
4. Inhibition of reflex activity.
5. Depressive/excited state.
6. Decreased sensitivity.
7. The appearance of steatorrhea (fatty feces).

• pain in the sternum;
• aching sensations in the legs when walking;
• sleep problems;
• the appearance of yellowish-pink spots under the skin.

Too high or low rates lead to disruption of the human body. It is necessary to start treatment, following the doctor's recommendations.

How to normalize cholesterol levels

Based on the lipid profile, the doctor prescribes a course of treatment.

1. Diet. It is necessary to exclude the use of animal fats, fried foods to the maximum. Add dishes with fruits, vegetables and herbs.
2. Physical activity. Loads, taking into account age and health status, will improve blood circulation, increase the supply of oxygen to the body.
3. Stop smoking, moderate alcohol consumption.
4. Body weight control.
5. Timely treatment of diseases and exacerbations of chronic pathologies.

Dietary nutrition is used not only as a method of treating atherosclerosis, but also in order to prevent high cholesterol levels.

• meat and fatty poultry;
• offal;
• fatty sauces (mayonnaise);
• saturated meat, fish broths;
• confectionery;
• fatty dairy products (>5%);
• carbonated drinks;
• strong tea, cocoa.

Foods that help lower bad cholesterol levels include:

• olive oil;
• fish oil (sardines, wild salmon);
• avocado;
• red berries (raspberries, cranberries, mountain ash, lingonberries);
• cereals;
• garlic;
• green tea;
• whole grains;
• flax seeds;
• White cabbage;
• soybeans, legumes;
• fresh herbs (parsley, spinach, onion).

Drug treatment is used when cholesterol levels are significantly outside the normal range.

1. Statins are drugs that lower the production of cholesterol. They prevent the appearance of symptoms of atherosclerosis, reduce the likelihood of a heart attack. With pathologies of the liver, the use of these drugs is contraindicated.
2. Cholesterol absorption inhibitors - prevent lipids from being absorbed into the arteries.
3. Antiplatelet agents - reduce the risk of blood clots.
4. Beta-blockers - lower blood pressure, reduce the load on the myocardium and blood vessels.
5. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors - reduce heart rate, heartbeat.
6. Diuretics - promote the removal of salts from the body.

Severe complications caused by atherosclerosis require surgical intervention. Treatment is prescribed by a doctor, self-administration of medications threatens with dangerous complications.

Cholesterol is an important element that normalizes the work of many body systems. Violation of the optimal ratio of the level of "good" and "bad" lipoproteins increases the risk of atherosclerotic plaques. Atherosclerosis causes the development of severe cardiovascular diseases, brain pathologies.

It is important to control the level of cholesterol in the body in order to prevent diseases. Proper nutrition, sufficient physical activity, normal daily routine, absence of bad habits, and, if necessary, medication treatment will help normalize the condition.