Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fatty, lipid, substance which circulates in blood arteries and is essential to the human body. Cholesterol aids in the making of cell walls and some hormones. Even though cholesterol is vital for a healthy body, if cholesterol levels reach too high, then buildup of fatty deposits occur, which can impede blood flow. High cholesterol levels also raise the risk of developing heart disease or stroke.

LDL Cholesterol vs HDL Cholesterol

LDL Cholesterol
LDL (low-density lipoproteins), is known as the "bad" cholesterol. Low density lipoproteins, carry and deposit cholesterol onto the inner walls of arteries, where it builds up. Because cholesterol does not dissolve in the blood, this buildup eventually causes a waxy, plaque like, substance to form, which can make arteries thicken and lose their elasticity. This condition is known as atherosclerosis or sometimes referred to as (hardening of the artieries).

As arteries become clogged with fatty plaque which is mostly cholesterol, they progressively narrow, reducing blood flow. If a vessel closes completely, it can result in an eventual heart attack or stroke. Although it can occur in any artery anywhere in the body, atherosclerosis is especially common in the coronary and carotid arteries, which supplies blood to the heart and brain.

Most people with high LDL cholesterol levels have no specific symptoms or signs. The vast majority of of patients with lipid disorders are detected by lab work as part of normal patient screening tests.

A low fat diet consisting of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, can help lower LDL cholesterol levels. These types of foods contain no cholesterol and are healthy for your body. Foods which contain soluble fiber is also recommended as they can help remove fats from the intestines, thereby reducing cholesterol levels. Regular exercise and physical activity has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol levels. Treatment with Lipid-lowering drugs, such as statins, are also very effective at reducing LDL cholesterol levels. Evidence shows that by reducing LDL cholesterol levels, one can help prevent strokes and coronary artery disease, as well as reduce the risk of early death by a coronary event such as a heart attack.

HDL Cholesterol
HDL (high-density lipoproteins) is known as the "good" cholesterol lipid. The higher the HDL, the lower the risk of coronary heart disease. This is true in men and women, in different racial and ethnic groups, and at all ages up to about the age of 75. It is believed that HDL particles are made in the liver and intestines, and that they help remove harmful cholesterol particles from the arteries. The exact way in which HDL particles protect against plaque formation is unknown. Most models suggest that high density lipoproteins help remove harmful cholesterol particles from the arteries, and then take them back to the liver, where they are passed from the body as bile. It is also thought that exercise, weight loss, quitting smoking, and even the consumption of modest amounts of alcohol (1-2 ounces a day) may also raise HDL cholesterol levels.

Lipid blood test screening, to measure total cholesterol levels, can determine the ratio of the protective HDL, to the harmful LDL components. These tests are usually reported as a measured value that determines your risk of heart disease.