Grasping LDL And HDL Cholesterol Readings

We hear a lot of news reports about a variety of types of cholesterol: good, bad, HDL, LDL, VLDL, triglycerides, lipids and more. If you’re not a medical professional, it’s difficult to keep it all straight.

In the following article, we’ attempt to expand your knowledge of what low density lipopropteins or LDL cholesterol is – the type that’s often referred to 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. Because cholesterol cannot travel through the bloodstream alone, it must attach itself to a protein. Medical professionals call this combination a “lipoprotein.”

LDL is an abbreviation for “low density lipoprotein.” This is the so-called “bad” cholesterol you hear about. One of our cardiologist acquaintances says it’s easy to remember if you think of low density lipoproteins as “low down and lousy.” LDL tends to stick to the walls of your arteries, building up in the form of a substance doctors call plaque. This is the stuff that causes hardening of the arteries and leads to heart disease or a stroke.

There’s another kind 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 attaches itself onto the low density lipoprotein and carries it through the bloodstream to the liver. From there, it’s flushed out of the body.

LDL can be found 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 reduce your LDL which lowers the possibility that you’ll ever have heart disease.

The simple abbreviations LDL and HDL can be confusing if you’re not used to medical terminology, and it may be hard to remember which is good. It may help to keep in mind 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 keeping a healthy ratio between your HDL and your LDL, you lower your risk of cardiovascular “events” like heart attacks and stroke. Exercise is also important. Research has proven that getting your heart rate up with vigorous physical activity helps your HDL cholesterol flush the LDL out of your bloodstream.

When your physician tests your cholesterol levels, he or she may tell you your overall levels as well as HDL and LDL. Your overall level is not as important as the individual levels. Ideally, your LDL level should be 100 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) or lower, and your HDL level should be 60 mg/dL or higher. The lower your ratio of LDL over HDL, the happier your doctor (and your heart) will be.

Many people typically don’t start having their cholesterol checked regularly until they approach middle age. But medical professionals now say it’s a good idea to get into the habit earlier – even in your teens or 20′s. This is because so many young people today grow up eating calorie-rich, high fat diets. Meanwhile, they’re getting less and less exercise. Doctors are seeing cholesterol levels rise in younger people much sooner than they should, and this is a cause for concern.

Related topics: ldl normal range and good cholesterol. Neal Kennedy is a former TV and radio journalist who often writes on topics related to maintaining cholesterol health.