All You Need To Know About LDL and HDL Cholesterol
Contrary to what others believe, cholesterol is not totally bad for the body. In fact it is an essential part of cell membranes to facilitate proper membrane fluidity and permeability. It is also needed to initiate biosynthesis of steroid hormones, bile acids and other fat soluble vitamins. However, cholesterol is something that can’t be dissolved in blood. It needs to be taken to and from the cells through carriers called lipoproteins. These carriers are made up of both proteins and lipids. Bad cholesterol comes from low-density lipoprotein or LDL. Good cholesterol on the other hand is also called high-density lipoprotein or HDL. These lipids, together with triglycerides and Lp(a) cholesterol comprises over-all cholesterol count determined by going through a blood test.
LDL Cholesterol
Excessive circulation of low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol can lead to building up of these lipids in the inner walls of the arteries. These veins are needed to feed the heart and the brain. If combined with other bad cholesterol diet, it can build up into hard and thick plaque-like deposit on the arteries which can impede proper blood circulation, making it less flexible. If a clot forms in this kind of artery, heart attack and stroke can happen. And this is mainly due to too much LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol.
HDL Cholesterol
High density Cholesterol or HDL Cholesterol carries about one fourth to one third of blood cholesterol. High level of HDL can prevent strokes and heart attacks since they take away the bad cholesterol from the heart.
Triglycerides
Along with HDL and LDL Cholesterol are triglycerides which are fat made in the body. High levels of triglycerides are due to overweight, excessive cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking, physical inactivity or high intake of carbohydrates rich food. High level of triglycerides could also mean high LDL level and low HDL level. This is usually true to people with diabetes and heart diseases.
Lp(a) Cholesterol
This is a generic variation of bad cholesterol. Too much Lp(a) could lead to fatty deposits in the artery walls which is usually caused when combined with other cholesterol substances.
Factors that Determine HDL and LDL Levels in the Blood
Heredity and environment are major considerations that influence the levels of good and bad cholesterol in the body and the over-all cholesterol level in general. There are inherited disorders that tend to weaken the heart and liver leading to heart attacks even at an early age.
Diets that are high in bad or saturated fats and cholesterol can greatly increase the level of LDL Cholesterol in the body. Fats can be saturated or unsaturated. Saturated fats can raise the level of cholesterol in the blood. It is commonly found on meat and other dairy products. Unsaturated fats on the other hand are heart-healthy fats that can keep cholesterol levels at a minimum. It is found in nuts, olives, avocado, fish, sesame seeds and various oils from love, soil, soybean and corn.
Checking the labels of the food you eat is also a big help to help you in choosing good cholesterol over bad cholesterol.
John Miller
John has studied nutritional supplements extensively. He publishes his findings as they become available. In the area of cholesterol and related topics he has become quite an expert. you can read more of his findins at http://www.cholesterolcatastrophe.com or e-mail him at cholesterolcatastrophe@gmail.com or call him direct at: 918-543-2675
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