It is advisable to have a medical check-up at least once a year to ensure that everything is okay and to be able to monitor it over time, which will make it easier to detect abnormalities more quickly in the future. Routine blood tests are part of these medical check-ups, and one of the parameters they analyse is lipid metabolism. In this post we will teach you what these indicators are and how to interpret the results.

The parameters that are generally included in the lipid profile section are the following: total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. All of these molecules are lipids found in the blood and are essential for the correct functioning of the body. However, abnormal levels can pose a danger to health, as they have been linked to an increase in cardiovascular risk.

Cholesterol

First, let's talk about cholesterol. Cholesterol is a lipid found in the cell membrane and its presence is essential for forming healthy cells. In blood tests, total cholesterol is usually shown, as well as the two most important forms, HDL and LDL cholesterol, although there are some others.

Total cholesterol refers to the total amount of cholesterol, regardless of the type. This data alone does not tell us much, since what has been associated with cardiovascular diseases are the specific levels of HDL and LDL, and now we will see why.

• HDL cholesterol: This type of cholesterol is commonly known as the “good cholesterol.” The acronym HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) refers to the type of lipoprotein that forms this particular type of cholesterol (high-density lipoproteins). HDL cholesterol is responsible for collecting loose cholesterol and taking it to the liver for elimination. For this reason, it is advisable to have high levels of this type of cholesterol, since it has been associated with a decrease in cardiovascular risk (>50 mg/dL).
• LDL cholesterol: This other type of cholesterol is known as “bad cholesterol”. In this case, it is made up of low-density lipoproteins (Low Density Lipoprotein) and is the cholesterol that can oxidize and form atheroma plaques. These plaques are located in the arteries and are accumulations of fat that can obstruct the flow of blood, creating a cardiovascular accident. High levels of this type of cholesterol have been associated with an increase in cardiovascular risk, so it is desirable to keep its concentration below 190 mg/dL.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are another type of lipid that circulates in the blood and, unlike cholesterol, their main function is to store energy. When we consume more calories than we need at that moment, the body forms triglycerides to store them. These lipids pass into the bloodstream to reach the fat cells where they accumulate for when they are needed. High levels of these lipids in the blood can indicate excess body fat, insulin resistance, or an inadequate diet, among others. All of these are factors that can lead to the appearance of metabolic syndrome, so it is advisable to maintain a value equal to or less than 150 mg/dL.

How to maintain a good lipid profile

Adequate blood lipid levels are a good indicator of health and can be improved by making small changes to your diet and lifestyle. For example, it is key to incorporate monounsaturated fats such as virgin olive oil or avocado, and polyunsaturated fats. These other types of fats are found in oily fish, such as salmon, and nuts. In addition, it is important to reduce the consumption of sugars and refined flours due to their potential negative impact on the body. It is also advisable to avoid tobacco and alcohol, as well as doing physical activity regularly. In this context, Oorenji helps you both to maintain a healthy diet rich in monounsaturated fats, and to reduce the amount of sugar you consume. Sign up!