perfil lipidico valores normales oms,Understanding Your Lipid Profile: Normal Values According to the WHO

Understanding Your Lipid Profile: Normal Values According to the WHO

Your lipid profile is a crucial tool in assessing your cardiovascular health. It measures the levels of different types of fats, including cholesterol and triglycerides, in your blood. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides guidelines for normal lipid profile values, which can help you understand where you stand in terms of heart health. Let’s delve into the details of these values and what they mean for you.

Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is found in your blood. It is essential for the production of hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids. However, high levels of cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaques in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

According to the WHO, the normal range for LDL cholesterol is less than 100 mg/dL. This is because high levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaques in your arteries. On the other hand, HDL cholesterol is often referred to as “good” cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries. The normal range for HDL cholesterol is greater than 40 mg/dL. Lastly, triglycerides are a type of fat that is stored in your body’s fat cells. The normal range for triglycerides is less than 150 mg/dL.

Interpreting Your Lipid Profile

Understanding your lipid profile involves not only looking at the individual values but also considering how they interact with each other. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Your total cholesterol level is the sum of your LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. The WHO considers a total cholesterol level of less than 200 mg/dL to be normal.

• A high LDL cholesterol level, also known as “bad” cholesterol, is a significant risk factor for heart disease. If your LDL cholesterol is between 100 and 129 mg/dL, you have a moderate risk of heart disease. If it’s between 130 and 159 mg/dL, you have a high risk, and if it’s 190 mg/dL or higher, you have very high risk.

  

• A high triglyceride level can also increase your risk of heart disease. If your triglyceride level is between 150 and 199 mg/dL, you have a moderate risk. If it’s between 200 and 499 mg/dL, you have a high risk, and if it’s 500 mg/dL or higher, you have very high risk.

• A high HDL cholesterol level is generally considered beneficial. If your HDL cholesterol is less than 40 mg/dL, you may have a higher risk of heart disease.

Factors Affecting Lipid Levels

Your lipid profile can be influenced by various factors, including:

• Diet: A diet high in saturated fats and trans fats can raise your LDL cholesterol levels. On the other hand, a diet rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant sterols can help lower your cholesterol levels.

• Physical activity: Regular physical activity can help raise your HDL cholesterol levels and lower your triglyceride levels.

• Weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your LDL cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels.

• Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to have high cholesterol levels.

• Age and gender: As you age, your cholesterol levels tend to rise. Men are also at a higher risk of heart disease than women.

Preventing and Managing High Cholesterol

Here are some strategies to help you maintain a healthy lipid profile:

• Eat a