Reduced blood cholesterol levels. What does this mean? What could be the consequences?

Blood cholesterol levels are constantly changing. It depends on the characteristics of nutrition and lifestyle, metabolic processes, and the condition of the liver. Doctors recommend reducing the amount of cholesterol; many know that it is inadmissible to increase it. But few people know that low levels are just as harmful as high levels. This substance is involved in many biochemical processes; it is necessary for the normal course of cellular metabolism and maintaining the elasticity of blood vessels. Therefore, low cholesterol can be dangerous, leading to the development of serious pathologies.

What does low blood cholesterol mean?

Cholesterol or cholesterol is a fatty compound, a type of lipid. It performs important functions in the body. A decrease in its amount may indicate the presence of problems in lipid metabolism and other biochemical processes. Only 20% of cholesterol enters the body with food, the rest is produced by the liver and intestines. Therefore, its level decreases not only with poor nutrition or vitamin deficiency. Often this condition also indicates serious liver dysfunction.

In the blood, this substance is present in the form of high and low density lipoproteins. When people talk about the dangers of cholesterol, they mean high levels of LDL - low-density lipoproteins. If there are a lot of them, they settle on the walls of blood vessels, forming insoluble fatty plaques. Because of them, blood flow is disrupted and blood supply to tissues deteriorates. The heart suffers the most from this, as the blood becomes thick. But a lack of LDL is also harmful, although few people know about it.

Why deviation is dangerous

If cholesterol in the blood is less than normal, the nervous system and digestion suffer. After all, cell membranes are made of it. It is cholesterol that makes them strong and resistant to external influences. There is a lot of it in the sheath of nerve fibers. In addition, this substance performs the following functions:

• participates in the production of steroid and sex hormones;
• stimulates the synthesis of bile acids and many enzymes;
• improves the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins;
• protects red blood cells from destruction.

That is why a strong reduction in its quantity is so dangerous. This can lead to disruption of the passage of nerve impulses, deterioration of fat absorption, and infertility. The risk of hemorrhagic stroke, cancer, obesity, and mental disorders increases.

Reasons for lowering cholesterol levels

Most people after forty years suffer from an imbalance in lipid profile values.

Changes in this analysis are dangerous and may indicate the development of atherosclerosis.

An increase in “bad” cholesterol, atherogenic fractions and a decrease in high-density fractions are clinically manifested by the development of hypertension, coronary heart disease and obliterating endarteritis.

The causes of lipid imbalances are:

1. Liver diseases and bile flow disorders. Dysfunction of liver cells has a negative impact on the synthesis of cholesterol and lipid transport proteins, since cholesterol molecules are produced in the cells of the organ.
2. Poor nutrition or diet excluding the intake of beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids.
3. Long-term use of certain medications (statins, antihypertensive drugs, antibiotics).
4. Malabsorption due to organic pathologies of the digestive tract.
5. Low stress resistance and unfavorable psycho-emotional background.
6. Hyperfunction of the thyroid gland.
7. Chronic intoxication of the body with dust of heavy metals, mercury, etc.
8. Active growth (typical of teenagers).
9. Floor. A man is more susceptible to changes in his lipid profile than a woman.
10. Age-related changes. Old age is a risk factor for deficiency of many biologically active substances.
11. Raw food diet.
12. Prolonged fever due to severe infectious processes.
13. .

In some cases, cholesterol deficiency is an occupational pathology (athletes, workers in hazardous industries) and requires a change in professional activity.

What are the signs and symptoms of low cholesterol?

Low cholesterol or hypocholesterolemia has no specific symptoms. A person often does not suspect that his illness is related to this. Indeed, with a lack of this substance, the nervous, reproductive systems, digestion, and hormonal levels suffer. In most cases, this condition is detected only after a blood test.

But there are also external signs of low cholesterol. They are similar to the manifestations of other pathologies, but if you consider them together, you can understand what they indicate. Hypocholesterolemia is characterized by the following symptoms:

• decreased appetite, anorexia;
• steatorrhea - a violation of the digestibility of fats, leading to the fact that the stool becomes oily;
• indigestion;
• increased fatigue, decreased performance;
• muscle weakness;
• decreased reflexes and skin sensitivity;
• heaviness in the chest;
• decreased sex drive;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• aggressiveness, irritability, depression.

Symptoms of pathology

External signs of a decrease in lipid levels are not expressed; this can only be determined by laboratory analysis. Still, it’s worth seeing a doctor if a woman notices the following signs:

• Lost appetite.
• Fat inclusions (steatorrhea) appeared in the stool.
• The lymph nodes became enlarged and inflamed.
• Libido has decreased.
• Muscle weakness occurred.
• Tactile sensitivity has worsened.
• Weight gain occurs.

It is necessary to understand that such symptoms can be markers of other diseases. Therefore, the right decision would be a comprehensive comprehensive examination.

Possible reasons for the decrease

The most common reason for low cholesterol levels is liver dysfunction. It is this organ that is responsible for its synthesis and processing of triglycerides supplied with food. With inflammation, tumors, hepatitis, fatty hepatosis, the activity of the liver decreases, it cannot produce cholesterol in sufficient quantities.

There are several other causes of hypocholesterolemia:

• taking medications that affect lipid metabolism;
• disruption of absorption processes in the intestine;
• low hemoglobin level, anemia;
• tuberculosis and other serious infectious diseases;
• respiratory diseases;
• intoxication of the body;
• stressful situation, excessive production of adrenaline and cortisol;
• fasting, malnutrition, dieting, lack of fats and minerals in food;
• hormonal imbalance;
• hyperthyroidism and other pathologies of the thyroid gland;
• serious injuries.

A common cause of low blood cholesterol in women is pregnancy. At this time, the hormonal balance is disturbed, and there is a lack of many microelements.

Additional Research

If, when diagnosing cardiovascular diseases, cholesterol in the blood turns out to be low, you should pay attention to other indicators:

• Platelets . Their excess leads to blockage of blood vessels.
• Red blood cells (total number). If there are fewer of them, chest pain and tingling intensify and become more frequent.
• Erythrocytes (sedimentation rate). When the myocardium is damaged, it increases greatly.
• Leukocytes . Their high levels in the blood are observed with cardiac aneurysm.

Cholesterol standards for different ages and genders

There are certain standards for cholesterol levels. You can find out its amount by blood tests. They are carried out when your health deteriorates or for a preventive examination. A biochemical analysis is prescribed, which determines total cholesterol, sometimes it also includes the level of LDL and HDL. Other indicators are checked if deviations are found.

The average amount of cholesterol is the same for men and women – 3-5 mmol/l. It is desirable that the HDL level is at least 1 mmol/l. But the upper and lower limits differ slightly depending on gender and age. To check whether the test results are within the normal range, you can use the tables.

For women:

For men:

Nutritional Features

Women with low levels of this vital compound definitely need to make adjustments to their diet. Foods that increase cholesterol:

• Meat and offal.
• Fish.
• Seafood.
• Milk and fermented milk products.
• Chicken eggs.
• Vegetables.
• Fruits.
• Nuts.
• Seeds.
• Vegetable oils.
• Bakery products.
• Coffee with cream.

It is important to know that cholesterol-raising foods are rich in saturated fat. There is no need to get carried away with using them. It is enough to include them in the menu 2-3 times a week.

Many women are interested in whether sugar and foods containing it increase cholesterol. Yes, but in this case the low-density lipoprotein level changes upward.

What consequences may there be

Cholesterol is the main component of the membrane of nerve cells. When it is deficient, they are the first to suffer. Such people develop anxiety, irritability, become aggressive, and commit impulsive actions. The tendency to alcoholism and drug addiction increases.

Reduced cholesterol levels also affect serotonin receptors - less of this hormone is produced. Therefore, severe depression develops. Research by South Korean scientists has shown that depressed patients are more likely to commit suicide if they have low cholesterol levels. It is also interesting that such people are more likely to get into road accidents or die from accidents.

This substance is the main component for the synthesis of sex hormones. Therefore, when its level drops below 3 mmol/l, reproductive function also suffers. The following consequences are possible:

• erectile dysfunction in men;
• infertility;
• frozen pregnancy, premature birth, fetal hypoxia;
• developmental anomalies of the genitourinary system in adolescents.

Another serious consequence of hypocholesterolemia is hemorrhagic stroke or cerebral hemorrhage. This is a rare pathology, but often ends in death. The danger of such hemorrhage increases with a lack of cholesterol in the cell membrane. Because of this, the walls of blood vessels become fragile, lose elasticity and rupture. The risk of hemorrhagic stroke in such patients is 4-5 times higher than in people with normal cholesterol levels.

In addition, with hypocholesterolemia, the following pathologies more often develop:

• obesity;
• osteoporosis;
• liver cancer;
• hyperthyroidism;
• emphysema or chronic obstructive disease;
• bronchial asthma;
• senile dementia;
• diabetes;
• indigestion.

Making a diagnosis when readings are low

The diagnosis is made after a biochemical blood test. The doctor also asks about the possible causes of the decline and its signs. Low blood cholesterol levels are accompanied by symptoms :

• enlarged lymph nodes;
• worsening mood (aggression, depression, suicidal tendencies, etc.);
• fatty stool that has an oily consistency (steatorrhea);
• poor appetite;
• deterioration of food absorption;
• feeling tired;
• muscle pain for no reason;
• lack of sexual desire.

Video on the topic: low cholesterol in the blood - what does it mean and how dangerous?

What to do: ways to increase cholesterol

There are no special medications to increase cholesterol levels. Therefore, to eliminate this problem, you need to be examined by a doctor. It will help determine what low cholesterol means in women and men and what needs to be done.

Who to contact with a problem

First you need to contact a therapist, who will give a referral for examination and, if necessary, to specialists. Most often, this pathology is treated by an endocrinologist. He will give advice on how to normalize metabolic processes and restore normal blood counts.

The most important thing to overcome this problem is to determine its cause. And this can only be done by a competent specialist after an examination. You may need treatment from a gastroenergologist who will help improve liver function and improve the absorption of fats in the intestines. It is also recommended to consult a nutritionist to choose the optimal nutrition system.

Diet tips for low cholesterol

Now many, especially women, are trying to give up fat. But this is a necessary component of the diet; they cannot be excluded or limited. You only need to remove trans fats from your diet: margarine, hydrogenated fat, refined oil, palm oil. And the rest must be included in the diet, even butter and other animal fats. In small quantities they are beneficial to the body as they are a source of energy.

If a person has hypocholesterolemia, a diet will help raise cholesterol levels. Although only 20% of this substance comes from food, so it increases by no more than 10-15%. To do this, it is recommended to include the following products in your diet:

• by-products: brains, liver;
• eggs, always with yolk;
• fatty fish and seafood, caviar;
• chicken with skin;
• nuts, flax seeds, pumpkins;
• butter, cheese.

In order not to provoke the development of atherosclerosis with such a diet, you need to give up alcoholic beverages, sugar, sweets, confectionery, and baked goods. Include more fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet: citrus fruits, cabbage, berries, kiwi. Juices and fruit drinks are useful. You need to drink at least 1.5-2 liters of water per day.

A table showing the amount of cholesterol in foods will help you choose the optimal diet.

Taking vitamin complexes

A patient with hypocholesterolemia is prescribed vitamin complexes and nutritional supplements aimed at normalizing metabolic processes. This requires niacin, nicotinic acid, Omega 3. It is recommended to take fish oil.

Lifestyle changes

To overcome this problem, it is recommended to give up bad habits. Alcohol and smoking negatively affect metabolic processes and can cause both an increase and a decrease in cholesterol levels. Physical activity is also important. You need to do simple exercises every day, walk more.

Importance in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases

Reducing cholesterol levels has a negative effect on the cardiovascular system. It can provoke a number of disruptions to its functioning. A small amount of cholesterol in the body leads to a number of consequences that provoke heart and vascular diseases:

• Obesity . Being overweight increases the load on the heart.
• Nervous system disorders . Stress, depression, etc. have a detrimental effect on the heart.
• Lack of vitamins A, E, D and K. They have a positive effect on the heart and blood vessels, so the cardiovascular system suffers from their lack.

How often should you monitor your blood counts?

After 50 years, it is recommended to take blood tests for cholesterol every year, and twice if you have chronic diseases. But they are necessary not only for older people. After 20 years, you need to check the level of this substance every 5 years.

Low cholesterol is less common than high cholesterol. But this condition can cause serious illness. Therefore, it is necessary for everyone, even healthy people, to control the level of this substance. And if you feel unwell, you should immediately visit a doctor and get examined. This will help avoid serious consequences.

Normal indicators for women

With age, the values ​​change, which is due to natural physiological processes. It is important to understand that a blood test for total cholesterol should be done to prevent various diseases, but it is not very informative. To obtain an accurate picture, it is necessary to submit the biomaterial for a lipid profile. This is a study based on the results of which one can judge the concentration of both high and low density lipoproteins.

Information about the normal cholesterol level for women at different ages is presented in the table below.

Age, years	Total cholesterol, mmol/l	Low-density lipoproteins, mmol/l	High density lipoproteins, mmol/l
5-10	From 2.26 to 5.3	From 1.63 to 3.34	From 0.98 to 1.94
11-15	From 3.21 to 5.2	From 1.66 to 3.44	From 0.96 to 1.91
16-20	From 3.08 to 5.18	From 1.61 to 3.37	From 0.78 to 1.63
21-25	From 3.16 to 5.59	From 1.71 to 3.81	From 0.78 to 1.63
26-30	From 3.32 to 5.75	From 1.81 to 4.27	From 0.8 to 1.63
31-35	From 3.37 to 5.96	From 2.02 to 4.79	From 0.72 to 1.63
36-40	From 3.63 to 6.27	From 2.1 to 4.9	From 0.75 to 1.6
41-45	From 3.81 to 6.53	From 2.25 to 4.82	From 0.7 to 1.73
46-50	From 3.94 to 6.86	From 2.51 to 5.23	From 0.78 to 1.66
51-55	From 4.2 to 7.38	From 2.31 to 5.1	From 0.72 to 1.63
56-60	From 4.45 to 7.77	From 2.28 to 5.26	From 0.72 to 1.84
61-65	From 4.45 to 7.69	From 2.15 to 5.44	From 0.78 to 1.91
66-70	From 4.43 to 7.85	From 2.54 to 5.44	From 0.78 to 1.94
71 years or older	From 4.48 to 7.25	From 2.49 to 5.34	From 0.8 to 1.94

A decrease or increase in cholesterol during pregnancy is considered normal. It is associated with hormonal changes in the body. In all other cases, a comprehensive diagnosis is required, since deviations from the norm often occur against the background of pathological processes.

Treatment: how to raise “good” cholesterol

It is highly not recommended to increase cholesterol using a treatment regimen invented at home. A specialist should prescribe medications and procedures.

You can help yourself at home only by adjusting your diet . It is recommended to consume these products:

• brains, tongue and liver of a cow;
• egg yolks;
• seafood;
• sea ​​fish;
• olive oil;
• natural butter;
• flax and pumpkin seeds;
• cheese;
• walnuts.

In order to get the maximum benefit from the recommended products, they need to be properly prepared. Meat should be baked, boiled and steamed. It can also be cooked in a frying pan, but only with olive oil and without overcooking. And these foods should be almost excluded from the diet:

• alcohol;
• cereals;
• pasta;
• pastry products;
• white yeast bread.

To avoid overdoing it and making the situation worse when trying to increase cholesterol in the blood, introduce foods with vitamin C into your diet. It weakens the effect of bad cholesterol and is present in all citrus fruits.

The carrot diet helps to safely increase the level of “good” cholesterol . Its essence is simple - consume a maximum of carrots and carrot juice if you are not allergic to this vegetable.

If the phenomenon was detected during a biochemical blood test, you should take into account all the doctor’s recommendations . Low cholesterol levels are something that can lead to dire consequences. That is why, when identifying it, you need to take serious care of your health.

The video lecture has good information on the properties of cholesterol, but animal foods are not suitable for eating for cholesterol. It is not a burden for the liver to produce cholesterol, because this is part of its function. Cholesterol is necessary for the body, otherwise it would not be produced. But substances such as linoleic acid, which was mentioned in the lecture, are unsaturated fatty acids, and animal fats are saturated. Plant foods, such as whole grains (wheat, oats), legumes, nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts), and sunflower seeds, are rich in linoleic acid. Food of animal origin also contains these acids, but in ten times less proportion, and also, as I wrote above, constantly paired with saturated fatty acids, which are harmful to the body. Moreover, animal food creates an acidic environment in the body, and therefore the activity of immune cells decreases. Accordingly, immunity decreases, and conditions are created for the development of cancer and high blood pressure with the resulting consequences, and also leads to a reduction in years of life. This is in brief. As for carbohydrates, they should constitute the main diet. Even if we take into account the fact that both proteins and fats in the process of digestion and assimilation are then transformed, in other words, into glucose, because it is glucose that is then used in the Krebs cycle to produce energy. The only thing I would like to mention is the difference in carbohydrate foods. The body needs to receive so-called complex carbohydrates, which are found in large quantities in whole grains; they are digested, so to speak, gradually and serve as a source of energy for a long time, while refined carbohydrates or sugars (sugar, candies, cakes, creams, sweet puddings, refined flour, polished rice, etc.) do not contain B vitamins in the complex, which are necessary for the absorption of carbohydrates, reduce the activity of leukocytes and, accordingly, the immune response, and also, not being absorbed by the body, are “stored” in sloping places. Peace to everyone and Happy New Year!

Add a comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Find out how your comment data is processed.

Prevention

To prevent lower cholesterol levels, you should lead a healthy lifestyle and eat a balanced diet. Physical activity is also encouraged.

After consulting with your doctor, you can do a liver cleanse yourself using mineral water or honey. You can also stabilize the functioning of the gallbladder and liver by consuming beet and carrot juice, glutathione, lipoic acid, milk thistle, etc.

Also study on the topic of lowering cholesterol with folk remedies in addition to the current article.

Advice! Prevention of low cholesterol levels should be carried out from a young age, since a balanced and healthy diet is the key to the health of the body as a whole.

Low cholesterol is just as dangerous to health as high cholesterol levels. Therefore, it is very important to prevent this disease by leading a healthy lifestyle. If you have signs of low cholesterol, see your doctor immediately.

High blood cholesterol levels increase the risk of developing coronary heart disease. But too low cholesterol can also indicate health problems. Hypocholesterolemia is a rare and not yet well studied disease. Is it good or bad to have low blood cholesterol? To answer this question, you need to understand what causes this condition and the nuances of this pathology.