What is cholesterol?

What is cholesterol?

What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance present in every cell of your body. Your body requires some cholesterol to produce hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid in food digestion. The body produces all the cholesterol it needs. Cholesterol is also found in animal-based foods like egg yolks, meat, and cheese.
If there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it can mix with other substances to form plaque. This plaque adheres to the walls of your arteries, leading to a condition called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can result in coronary artery disease, where the coronary arteries become narrowed or even blocked.

What are HDL, LDL, and VLDL?

HDL, LDL, and VLDL are types of lipoproteins, which are a mix of fat (lipid) and protein. The lipids need to attach to the proteins to travel through the blood. Each type of lipoprotein has a specific function:

• HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein. It's often called "good" cholesterol because it helps remove cholesterol from your body. It carries cholesterol from other areas back to your liver, where it is then eliminated.

• LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein. It's sometimes referred to as "bad" cholesterol because high levels of LDL can cause plaque to build up in your arteries.

• VLDL stands for very low-density lipoprotein. VLDL is also considered "bad" cholesterol as it contributes to plaque buildup in your arteries. However, VLDL and LDL are different; VLDL primarily carries triglycerides, while LDL mainly carries cholesterol.

What is cholesterol?

What problems does high cholesterol cause?

Cholesterol flows through the bloodstream, and as its levels rise, so does the risk to your health. High cholesterol increases the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke. This is why it’s essential to have your cholesterol checked, so you can be aware of your levels.

At Dalimed MC, you can check your cholesterol levels and, if necessary, receive an effective consultation from a doctor.

How can I prevent high cholesterol level?

• Check your cholesterol levels. It's important to know your numbers and evaluate your risk.
• Change your diet and lifestyle to improve your levels.
• Control your cholesterol, with guidance from your healthcare professional if necessary.


Contact lenses
08 May 2025
Contact lenses are ultra-thin, curved lenses that sit directly on your eyes, offering a clear, natural field of vision. Like eyeglasses, they correct refractive errors—issues with the shape of your eye that prevent light from focusing correctly on the retina. These common eye problems can lead to blurry or distorted vision.Contact lenses can improve eyesight for people with: •Myopia (nearsightedness). •Hyperopia (farsightedness). •Presbyopia (age-related loss of near vision). •Astigmatism (uneven curvature of the eye). Types of Contact Lenses There’s a wide variety of contact lenses available today. Your eye care provider can guide you in choosing the right lenses for your eyes and lifestyle. You’ll want to consider these four key factors: •Lens material – from soft to rigid gas permeable. •Wear schedule – daily, extended, or overnight wear. •Replacement schedule – daily, weekly, or monthly lenses. •Special features – UV protection, multifocal, color-enhancing, and more. Frequently asked questions:Should I put in contacts before or after applying my makeup? Always insert your contact lenses before applying makeup or facial moisturizers. This helps prevent cosmetic particles, oils, or creams from getting onto your lenses or irritating your eyes. For the same reason, hold off on applying hand lotion or body creams until your contacts are safely in place. Can I put contact lenses in with long fingernails? It’s usually easier to insert and remove contact lenses with short nails. However, if you prefer long fingernails, ask your eye care professional for tips on safely handling your contacts. What if I fall asleep with my contacts in? Try to avoid sleeping in your contact lenses unless they’re specifically approved for overnight wear. But if you doze off with them in, don’t worry. When you wake up, check if your lenses move freely on your eyes. If they do, remove them and take a break for a few hours. If they feel stuck, give your eyes 10 minutes to rehydrate naturally or use rewetting drops. Once they move easily, take them out. Do I still need glasses if I wear contacts? Yes, you should always have an up-to-date pair of glasses on hand. Glasses are essential if you damage a contact lens, experience irritation, or develop an eye infection. Keeping your glasses with you ensures you're always prepared for any situation. Enjoy the World with Clear Vision Contact lenses offer a new way to see the world with clarity and confidence. If you’re just starting out with contacts, it’s completely normal to have questions or concerns. Feeling a bit nervous is part of the process—but your provider is there to help. They’ll answer your questions and support you every step of the way. Getting regular eye exams at Dalimed MC ensures your vision stays sharp and your eyes stay healthy. Early detection is key to protecting your sight for years to come.
Duplex examination of the vessels of the head and neck
04 May 2025
Duplex examination is an ultrasound examination method that allows you to assess: blood circulation indicators, vascular patency, degree of narrowing, the condition of the arterial wall, the condition of the lumen, allows you to measure the diameter of the vessel, check the blood flow velocity, deformations, the presence of atherosclerotic plaques.Advantages of duplex examination: •It is quick and short (about 15-30 minutes) •It is absolutely safe (can be used by pregnant women) •It is affordable and very informative •It has no age or gender restrictions. It is necessary to undergo the examination in case of the following complaints: •Headaches •Dizziness •Tinnitus •Memory and attention disorders •Pressure fluctuations •Arterial hypertension The following are at risk: Arterial hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, atherosclerosis, high blood cholesterol, people with diabetes and smokers. Thanks to this examination, it is possible to diagnose vascular problems in a timely manner, prescribe effective treatment and prevent the occurrence of complications.
Shortness of breath
04 May 2025
Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is a subjective feeling of difficulty breathing, accompanied by shortness of breath, or chest tightness. It can be acute or chronic and is often associated with cardiovascular or respiratory disorders.Main Causes 1.Respiratory System Causes •Asthma – a spasm of the bronchi that causes shortness of breath. •Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – often occurs in smokers. •Pneumonia (also known as COVID-19) – an infection that causes inflammation of the lungs. •Pulmonary embolism – a blood clot in the lungs. •Physical exertion – especially in untrained people. 2.Cardiac Causes •Heart failure – when the heart is unable to supply the body’s needs. •Heart ischemic disease (thoracic angina) – insufficient blood supply to the heart. •Arrhythmias – heart rhythm disorders that prevent normal blood circulation. Shortness of breath may be accompanied by cyanosis, coldness of the extremities. As a rule, shortness of breath worsens during physical exertion. 3.Other Causes •Anemia – lack of hemoglobin, which causes oxygen deficiency. •Stress and anxiety – hyperventilation syndrome (hyperventilation). •Obesity •Pulmonary hypertension •Tumors – which compress the airways. Diagnosis •Pulmonary function tests (spirometry). •Electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography. •Blood tests (hemoglobin, oxygen saturation). •X-ray or CT scan: to check the condition of the lungs. Shortness of breath can be both harmless (for example, from stress) and life-threatening (heart attack, pulmonary embolism). It is important to diagnose the cause in time and begin appropriate treatment. In case of signs of shortness of breath, you should consult a doctor for a correct diagnosis and treatment.
Prolactin
04 May 2025
Prolactin is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland, which is located at the base of your brain. Prolactin helps a woman’s breasts grow and develop, as well as milk production (lactation) after childbirth. Both men and women normally have small amounts of prolactin in their blood. Prolactin levels are regulated by other hormones called prolactin-inhibiting factors, such as dopamine. During pregnancy, prolactin levels increase due to the effects of sex hormones (mainly estradiol). Elevated levels of prolactin in the blood are called hyperprolactinemia. Hyperprolactinemia can cause fertility problems in both men and women. Oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea, and infertility in women with hyperprolactinemia, as well as impotence and oligospermia in men with hyperprolactinemia, are caused by the suppression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion by prolactin. Hyperprolactinemia is one of the most common endocrine disorders and can be caused by lactotroph adenomas (prolactinomas, which account for approximately 40% of pituitary tumors), drug-induced or pathological disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary dopaminergic pathway, and can sometimes be idiopathic. Low levels of prolactin in the blood can be caused by abnormal development of lactotroph cells (genetic causes), destruction of pituitary tissue (Sheehan's syndrome, inflammatory or autoimmune damage to lactotrophs, tumor or surgery, tuberculosis), pseudohypoparathyroidism, idiopathic prolactin deficiency, medication (e.g., dopamine agonists).Emotional stress, exercise, and a high-protein diet can stimulate prolactin secretion. Thus, the physiological causes of hyperprolactinemia are: 1.Pregnancy, 2.Breastfeeding, 3.Stress. The pathological causes of hyperprolactinemia are: 1.Lactotroph adenomas - prolactinomas 2.Other disorders of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland 3 Medications 4.Mutation of the prolactin receptor gene 5.Other causes: idiopathic hyperprolactinemia, hypothyroidism, chest wall injury, chronic kidney disease and macroprolactinemia. When to check the level of prolactin in the blood 1.During symptoms of prolactinoma (headaches, blurred vision, galactorrhea); 2.To monitor the development of prolactinoma 3.In case of infertility and sexual dysfunction in women and men; 4.In case of low testosterone levels in men; 5.In case of suspicion of general pituitary insufficiency (in combination with a growth hormone test) 6.When the patient is taking medications that affect dopamine production (to monitor changes in prolactin levels). Patient preparation Do not take multivitamins or biological supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7), which is usually contained in supplements and multivitamins for hair, skin and nails, for 12 hours before sampling. Sampling: Venous bloodDeadline for response: Same dayKnowing your prolactin level can help detect potential hormonal imbalances early and support your reproductive and overall health. Visit Dalimed MC for a quick and accurate prolactin test—your well-being is our priority.

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