Cholesterol is a waxy substance your liver makes to protect nerves and to make cell tissue and certain hormones. Your body also gets cholesterol from the food you eat. This includes eggs, meats, and dairy. There is “good” (HDL) cholesterol and “bad” (LDL) cholesterol. Too much bad cholesterol (LDL) can be bad for your health. Show
What is the difference between “good” cholesterol and “bad” cholesterol?Good cholesterol is known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL). It removes cholesterol from the bloodstream. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the “bad” cholesterol. If your total cholesterol level is high because of a high LDL level, you may be at higher risk of heart disease or stroke. But, if your total cholesterol level is high only because of a high HDL level, you’re probably not at higher risk. Triglycerides are another type of fat in your blood. When you eat more calories than your body can use, it turns the extra calories into triglycerides. Changing your lifestyle (diet and exercise) can improve your cholesterol levels, lower LDL and triglycerides, and raise HDL. Your ideal cholesterol level will depend on your risk for heart disease.
Often, there are no specific symptoms of high cholesterol. You could have high cholesterol and not know it. If you have high cholesterol, you are twice as likely to develop heart disease. That is why it is important to have your cholesterol levels checked, especially if you have a family history of heart disease. Reducing your LDL “bad cholesterol” through good diet, exercise, and medicine can make a positive impact on your overall health. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that's found in all the cells in your body. Your liver makes cholesterol, and it is also in some foods, such as meat and dairy products. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But having too much cholesterol in your blood raises your risk of coronary artery disease. What are LDL and HDL?LDL and HDL are two types of lipoproteins. They are a combination of fat (lipid) and protein. The lipids need to be attached to the proteins so they can move through the blood. LDL and HDL have different purposes:
How can a high LDL level raise my risk of coronary artery disease and other diseases?If you have a high LDL level, this means that you have too much LDL cholesterol in your blood. This extra LDL, along with other substances, forms plaque. The plaque builds up in your arteries; this is a condition called atherosclerosis. Coronary artery disease happens when the plaque buildup is in the arteries of your heart. It causes the arteries to become hardened and narrowed, which slows down or blocks the blood flow to your heart. Since your blood carries oxygen to your heart, this means that your heart may not be able to get enough oxygen. This can cause angina (chest pain), or if the blood flow is completely blocked, a heart attack. How do I know what my LDL level is?A blood test can measure your cholesterol levels, including LDL. When and how often you should get this test depends on your age, risk factors, and family history. The general recommendations are: For people who are age 19 or younger::
For people who are age 20 or older::
What can affect my LDL level?Things that can affect your LDL level include:
What should my LDL level be?With LDL cholesterol, lower numbers are better, because a high LDL level can raise your risk for coronary artery disease and related problems: LDL (Bad) Cholesterol LevelLDL Cholesterol CategoryLess than 100mg/dLOptimal100-129mg/dLNear optimal/above optimal130-159 mg/dLBorderline high160-189 mg/dLHigh190 mg/dL and aboveVery HighHow can I lower my LDL level?There are two main ways to lower your LDL cholesterol:
Some people with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) may receive a treatment called lipoprotein apheresis. This treatment uses a filtering machine to remove LDL cholesterol from the blood. Then the machine returns the rest of the blood back to the person. NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Learn More
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Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
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National Institutes of HealthThe primary NIH organization for research on LDL: The "Bad" Cholesterol is the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute DisclaimersMedlinePlus links to health information from the National Institutes of Health and other federal government agencies. MedlinePlus also links to health information from non-government Web sites. See our disclaimer about external links and our quality guidelines. What level of LDL is concerning?LDL cholesterol levels should be under 110 mg/dl. The borderline high range is 110–129 mg/dl, and any reading over 130 mg/dl is high.
At what level of LDL requires medication?Your health care team may prescribe medicine if: You have already had a heart attack or stroke or have peripheral arterial disease. Your LDL cholesterol level is 190 mg/dL or higher. You are 40–75 years old and have diabetes and an LDL cholesterol level of 70 mg/dL or higher.
What is the highest your LDL should be?These are the adult ranges for LDL cholesterol:. Optimal: Less than 100 mg/dL (This is the goal for people with diabetes or heart disease.). Near optimal: 100 to 129 mg/dL.. Borderline high: 130 to 159 mg/dL.. High: 160 to 189 mg/dL.. Very high: 190 mg/dL and higher.. What is the fastest way to lower LDL cholesterol?Advertisement. Eat heart-healthy foods. A few changes in your diet can reduce cholesterol and improve your heart health: ... . Exercise on most days of the week and increase your physical activity. Exercise can improve cholesterol. ... . Quit smoking. ... . Lose weight. ... . Drink alcohol only in moderation.. |