The Facts About LDL Cholesterol

LDL Cholesterol is often referred to as the “bad” cholesterol, but what else do you really know about it?

What is LDL Cholesterol?

• Cholesterol is a waxy substance that your body produces naturally. Your body needs and makes cholesterol.

• There are two types of cholesterol. In your cells, cholesterol travels by attaching itself to proteins. The type of protein it attaches itself to determines what kind of cholesterol it will be. These proteins are called lipoproteins, and are classified as either “high density” or “low density”.

• Low density lipoproteins, or “LDL”, make up “bad” cholesterol. High density lipoproteins, HDL, make up “good” cholesterol.

What Does LDL Cholesterol Do?

• First of all, despite the hype, not all cholesterol is bad. Your body needs cholesterol and uses it for important functions such as hormone and vitamin d production.

• Low density lipoprotein cholesterol, or LDL cholesterol, is considered “bad” because it sticks to the inside of artery walls causing plaque buildup and blockage. This condition is called atherosclerosis.

• What Should My LDL Cholesterol Levels Be?

• To check your cholesterol levels, your doctor can do a blood test called a “lipid panel”. This test will tell you your HDL and LDL cholesterol levels.

• Unlike your HDL cholesterol levels, you want your LDL cholesterol levels to be low.

• There are slight differences in what is considered high for men and women. Men are more likely to have high levels of LDL cholesterol and be at risk for heart disease.

• Ideally, you want your LDL cholesterol levels to be less than 100 milligrams per deciliter of blood. Any level over 130mg/dL is considered borderline, and over 160mg/dL is considered high. An LDL cholesterol level over 190mg/dL is considered very high and puts you at risk for a potentially life threatening condition or cardiac event.

How Can I Decrease My LDL Cholesterol?

• First of all, talk to your doctor. Your physician should always be aware of any changes you are making, and may be able to make recommendations to help you.

• Living the healthiest lifestyle possible is the best way to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

• Diet and Exercise: What you put in to your body is important. Monitor the foods you eat, especially animal products, to decrease your LDL cholesterol. Exercise regularly to keep your body strong and help to increase your HDL cholesterol levels, which will help to remove and decrease LDL cholesterol.

• Smoking greatly increases your risk of high cholesterol and blood pressure, both of which severely impact your heart health. Quitting is a great way to kick-start a decrease in your LDL cholesterol levels.

• Depending on your specific situation, including your genetics and family history, your doctor may recommend medication to decrease and monitor your LDL cholesterol levels.

HDL cholesterol is an important factor in major body function and is necessary for a healthy lifestyle. With your new understanding on the facts about HDL cholesterol, you can take steps to increase your “good” cholesterol and ensure a healthier lifestyle.

For more information on cholesterol, check out my other blogs!