Reducing The Bad Cholesterol, Increasing The HDL Cholesterol
In all the discussion we hear about cholesterol, LDL, HDL, VLDL, triglycerides, etc. etc, it can be confusing trying to remember which kind of cholesterol is “good” and which is “bad.”
In this article, we’ll try to expand your knowledge of what low density lipopropteins or LDL cholesterol is - the type that’s also known as “bad” cholesterol - and why it can be hazardous to heart health.
First, it’s probably a good idea to do a quick refresher on precisely what cholesterol is and the relationship between cholesterol and fat.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that circulates in the blood. The body manufactures a certain amount of it, mostly in the liver. We get more from the our diets. But because cholesterol is incapable of traveling through the bloodstream alone, it must attach itself to a protein. Medical professionals call this combination a “lipoprotein.”
LDL stands for “low density lipoprotein.” Think of LDL as standing for “low down and lousy,” because it’s the “bad” cholesterol that people talk about. LDL sticks to the sides of your blood vessels, building up plaque which causes an obstruction, or “hardening of the arteries.” A lot of LDL in your bloodstream can lead to heart disease if it builds up in the coronary arteries, or a stroke if it builds up in cerebral arteries.
There’s another type of lipoprotein that’s exactly the opposite. It’s the “good” cholesterol you hear people talking about. This type is referred to as HDL or “high density lipoprotein.” HDL is considered to be “good” cholesterol because it grabs onto the low density lipoprotein and carries it through the bloodstream to the liver. From there, it’s transported out of the body.
LDL is plentiful in what are known as “bad fats,” particularly saturated fats and trans fats. These are abundant in meat from animals (especially red meat), oils like the kind used to cook french fries in fast food restaurants, prepackaged and processed foods, and baked goods like donuts and cake.
When you avoid these foods and focus on healthier choices like fruits, vegetables, and certain nuts and grains, you can lower your LDL and decrease the likelihood that you’ll ever have a heart attack or stroke.
The simple letter sequences LDL and HDL can be confusing if you’re not used to medical terminology, and it may be difficult to remember which is and which is bad. Just try to remember that that LDL stands for low density, while HDL is high density, and in this case, low is bad and high is good. Or as our cardiologist acquaintance says, “Low has got to go…”
By working to maintain low levels of LDL and high levels of HDL, you are increasing your overall health, and also reducing your possibility of heart attack and stroke. By combining exercise and weight loss with healthful eating, you significantly increase your overall well being and keep your cholesterol at normal levels.
When you have your cholesterol tested, your doctor will probably explain your numbers in terms of total cholesterol, HDL and LDL levels. Ideal HDL is 60 mg/dL or higher. Your ideal LDL level should be 100 mg/dL or lower. Your doctor may also express the relationship between LDL and HDL as a ratio. The lower the ratio of LDL over HDL, the better.
It’s important to have your cholesterol levels checked often. Recent studies have shown that high cholesterol is becoming a serious health problem in younger and younger age groups. Doctors now say even teenagers and 20-somethings should have cholesterol and blood pressure checked. This is because most kids these days eat a fatty, cholesterol-rich diet and get very little exercise. Therefore, hypertension (high blood pressure) and high cholesterol are becoming health threats for younger people much more so than they were in the past.
Related topics: ldl goal and high hdl levels. Neal Kennedy is a retired TV and radio talk show host who often writes on subjects related to cholesterol and health.
Tags: bad cholesterol, Cholesterol, good cholesterol, hdl, ldl
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