Although many people are not unfamiliar with the term "blood lipids" nowadays, they are neither visible nor tangible and usually require blood tests to make a judgment. Next, let's popularize the related issues of "blood lipids".
What are blood lipids? The so-called blood lipids refer to the general term for lipids in the blood, including cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, and free fatty acids. Dyslipidemia can lead to atherosclerosis, increase the incidence rate and mortality of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and is a serious threat to health "invisible killer". Blood lipid testing can reflect the status of lipid metabolism in the body and is an important clinical testing item. A general health check includes four items for blood lipids, while a comprehensive examination includes seven items for blood lipids. The various indicators can be viewed as follows:
① Total cholesterol (TC): The appropriate range for the general population is<5.18mmol/L, with a marginal increase in the range of 5.18-6.22<5.18mmol/L, and an increase of ≥ 6.22mmol/L. TC refers to the total amount of cholesterol present in the blood. The serum TC level is influenced by various factors such as age, family, gender, genetics, diet, and mental state. TC is often used as one of the monitoring indicators to prevent atherosclerosis and evaluate the therapeutic effect. (But not as precise as LDL-C)
② Triglycerides (TG): The appropriate level is<1.70mmol/L, which belongs to marginal elevation in the range of 1.70-2.26mmol/L, and ≥ 2.26mmol/L belongs to elevation. TG is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, and is related to race, age, gender, and lifestyle habits. TG detection is helpful to early identify the risk of atherosclerosis and the classification of hyperlipidemia, as well as the detection of low-fat diet and drug treatment. Individuals with mild to moderate elevation of serum TG levels have an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease. When TG is significantly elevated, acute pancreatitis may often occur.
③ Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C): The ideal level is less than 2.59mmol/L, which is within the appropriate range of 2.59-3.37mmol/L. The marginal elevation range is 3.37-4.14mmol/L, and ≥ 4.14mmol/L is considered elevated. The increase of LDL-C is one of the main risk factors for the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis, and also the primary indicator for the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia. Routine monitoring of LDL-C is of great significance in judging the occurrence, development and treatment effect of atherosclerotic heart disease.
④ High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C):<1.04mmol/L is considered a decrease. If HDL-C levels decrease, it indicates an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. HDL-C is "good cholesterol" and plays an anti atherosclerosis role in the body. So the decrease in HDL-C levels increases the risk of coronary heart disease. Usually slightly higher than the recommended range for inspection, in line with the ideal state.
⑤ Apolipoprotein A1 (AopA1): Normal serum levels are mostly in the range of 1.2-1.6g/L, with slightly higher levels in females than males. AopA1 is a "young good cholesterol" that, like HDL-C, has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system.
⑥ Apolipoprotein B (AopB): Normal serum levels of AopB are mostly within the range of 0.8-1.1g/L. AopB, like LDL-C, can promote the occurrence of coronary heart disease. The 2019 edition of the European Guidelines for Blood Lipid Prevention and Treatment proposes that AopB may become a substitute for LDL-C and an indicator for blood lipid screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
⑦ Lipoprotein (a) Lp (a): Serum Lp (a) shows a significant skewed distribution, with 80% of normal individuals below 200mg/L. The cut-off point is usually 300mg/L, and individuals with levels higher than 300mg/L have a significantly increased risk of developing coronary heart disease. When Lp (a) and LDL-C increase simultaneously, it indicates that the risk of atherosclerotic heart disease increases.
Blood tests are the main method for checking blood lipids, but the value of blood lipids may be affected by some factors and interfered with. So before the blood test, it is recommended to have a normal diet two weeks before the examination, avoid overeating, avoid eating too much high calorie, high-fat, high cholesterol food, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption. 12 hours before the blood lipid test, it is forbidden to eat anything or drink water, and blood tests should be conducted on an empty stomach. Avoid vigorous exercise before blood lipid testing. Do not perform blood lipid tests during periods of cold infection, as it can affect blood lipid levels in pathological conditions.
I believe that after reading the above content, everyone has understood the significance of various indicators of blood lipids. If abnormal blood lipids are found, it is necessary to go to the hospital in a timely manner and have professional doctors assess the risk of cardiovascular disease to determine the treatment plan.