The doctor explained the differences between "good" and "bad" cholesterol

According to WHO, more than half of the world's population (58%) have elevated cholesterol levels. Of particular concern is the so-called bad cholesterol, or low-density lipoproteins in science. Alexander Shiryaev, a doctor and cardiovascular surgeon at the SM Clinic, told Izvestia about this on May 17.

The specialist explained that cholesterol is not always bad for health. By its structure, cholesterol is a lipid-protein compound that is present in all cells of the body and performs a number of vital tasks, primarily the synthesis of red blood cells, hormones (estrogens and testosterone), vitamin D and bile acids. About 15% of cholesterol is found in the brain and 17% in the liver, which helps maintain these organs in a healthy state.

"The liver is the main organ involved in the production of fats (by almost 80%), of two types — high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). HDL is just the "good" cholesterol, which has a very positive effect on our health. For example, it actively participates in lipid metabolism, is well broken down in the liver, turning into energy, and also cleanses blood vessels of toxins and carcinogens," Shiryaev explained.

As for low-density lipoproteins (LDL), it is they who are attributed with harmful effects on the body, and for good reason. Due to its biological characteristics, "bad" cholesterol is not immediately broken down in the body, but is gradually deposited in various tissues and organs, including blood vessels. Settling on the walls of the arteries, such cholesterol forms dense plaques, which over time can lead to vascular damage and the development of cardiovascular diseases. First of all, it is atherosclerosis and its complications — coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

"In the advanced stages of these diseases, blood clots form on the walls of damaged arteries, which can rapidly block the vascular lumen, causing a sharp deterioration in blood flow and impaired nutrition of the heart muscle. In addition, fatty plaques can contribute to the formation of aneurysms. This is a pathological vasodilation, often associated with their rupture and often fatal for patients," the doctor commented.

The doctor explained that an unhealthy lifestyle contributes to an increase in the level of low—density lipoproteins - nutrition (especially with an excess of trans fats and animal fats in the daily diet), frequent alcohol consumption, smoking and low physical activity, which goes hand in hand with excess weight.

Serious health problems begin at the moment when there is an imbalance between "good" and "bad" cholesterol in the body, with the latter predominant. That's why constant monitoring of cholesterol levels is right and important, especially for the cardiovascular system.

It is possible to determine the type of cholesterol (high or low density) by a biochemical blood test, and specifically by a lipidogram. This analysis is used to determine different lipid fractions and identify any abnormalities. And in order to completely eliminate the risks of cardiac pathologies, Shiryaev advised regular comprehensive cardiac screening, including ECG, ECHO-KG, ultrasound duplex vascular scanning (USDS) and ultrasound of the heart.

On April 18, Roman Goloshchapov-Aksenov, MD, cardiovascular surgeon at the SM Clinic, told Izvestia which habits lead to coronary heart disease. The specialist noted that bad habits, frequent overeating or excessive consumption of sweet, flour, fatty, smoked, spicy, fried and salty foods and chronic psycho-emotional stress on the background of depression will inevitably lead to the development of coronary artery disease.