New Cholesterol Reference Values as of Sept. 1 - What you need to know
New Cholesterol Reference Values as of Sept. 1 - What Do They Mean for You?
On Sept. 1, reference values for cholesterol were changed based on the latest scientific findings. These changes are intended to improve the assessment of your cardiovascular health. But what do these changes mean for you, especially if you engage in specific diets such as the carnivorous diet, and how do other factors such as VLDL and LDL relate to your overall health?
New and Old Reference Values for Cholesterol.
Here is a comparison of the old and new cholesterol reference values:
Cholesterol type | Old Reference Value (mmol/l) | New Reference Value (mmol/l) as of September 1. |
LDL cholesterol | < 3.0 mmol/l (for high risk) | < 2.5 mmol/l (for high risk) |
< 4.0 mmol/l (for low risk) | < 3.5 mmol/l (for low risk) | |
HDL cholesterol | > 0.9 mmol/l (men) | > 1.0 mmol/l (men) |
> 1.1 mmol/l (women) | > 1.2 mmol/l (women) | |
Total cholesterol | < 5.2 mmol/l | < 5.0 mmol/l |
Cholesterol ratio (LDL/HDL). | < 4,5 | < 4,0 |
What is LDL, VLDL, and Why Are They Important?
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein), often referred to as the "bad" cholesterol, transports cholesterol from the liver to the rest of the body. When LDL cholesterol is too high, it can deposit in the walls of the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein) is another type of lipoprotein that carries triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood. VLDL is closely related to LDL because it can be converted to LDL in the body. Increased VLDL levels contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries, which further increases the risk of heart disease.
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein), on the other hand, is the "good" cholesterol that brings excess cholesterol from the arteries back to the liver to be broken down and removed. Higher HDL levels are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
What Do These Changes Mean for People on a Carnivore Diet?
The carnivore diet, which consists of consuming mostly animal products and avoiding plant foods, can have significant effects on your lipid profile. This diet is often high in saturated fats, which can lead to elevated LDL and VLDL levels. Although some supporters of the carnivorous diet claim that this is not a problem, many medical experts point out the risks associated with elevated LDL and VLDL.
With the new, stricter reference values, it becomes even more important to have your cholesterol and lipid levels checked regularly, especially if you follow a diet rich in saturated fats. The increased focus on LDL and VLDL means that even people who feel healthy may be at higher risk for heart disease than they realize.
Why ApoB and Lp(a) Are Even More Important
In addition to LDL and VLDL, there are other markers such as ApoB and Lp(a) that can give you an even more accurate picture of your cardiovascular health. ApoB measures the total number of atherogenic particles in your blood, and Lp(a) is a genetically determined risk factor for heart disease that is not easily influenced by diet or medication.
For people on a carnivorous diet, where saturated fat intake is high, monitoring ApoB and Lp(a) can help identify hidden risks that may not be visible in standard cholesterol measurements.
What is the Risk of Low Reference Values?
There are speculations that lowering the reference values could possibly lead to an increase in the use of cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins, especially since more people now fall within the "increased risk" category. This is something to keep in mind, especially if you are making diet or lifestyle choices that may affect your cholesterol levels.
Conclusion: Balance is the Key
The new cholesterol reference values highlight the importance of taking a balanced approach to your health. Whether you follow a carnivorous diet, have made a different lifestyle choice, or are simply concerned about your heart health, it is important to have your lipid profile checked regularly and take into account all factors, including LDL, VLDL, ApoB and Lp(a).
For more information about cholesterol and your cardiovascular health, please visit Heart Guide. Stay informed, stay healthy, and work with your doctor to make the best choices for your health.
