Cholesterol (from the Ancient Greek chole-() and stereos (solid), followed by the chemical suffix-ol for an alcohol) is an organic molecule.It is a sterol (or modified steroid), a type of lipid. Since LDL is the bad kind of cholesterol, a low LDL level is considered good for your heart health. HDL stands for high-density lipoproteins.
Cholesterol travels through the blood on proteins called “lipoproteins.” Two types of lipoproteins carry cholesterol throughout the body: LDL (low-density lipoprotein), sometimes called “bad” cholesterol, makes up most of your body’s cholesterol.High levels of LDL cholesterol raise your risk for heart disease and stroke. Doctors consider LDL levels as one factor among many when evaluating cardiovascular risk. Levels of 100 to 129 mg/dL are acceptable for people with no health issues but may be of more concern for … High LDL Cholesterol Diagnosis A blood test can check your LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol levels . "Cholesterol levels can vary based on dietary consumption or other cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes, obesity or other disease states such as hypothyroidism," says Guy L. Mintz, MD, director of cardiovascular health and lipidology at the Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital in Manhasset, New York. Experts believe that HDL acts as a scavenger, carrying LDL (bad) cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where the LDL is broken down and passed from the body. White blood cells combine with the LDL cholesterol, forming artery-narrowing plaque, which restricts blood flow. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL). (The latest American Heart Association guidelines endorse this more integrated approach.) Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, is the type that tends to deposit on the walls of the arteries.
Also known as the "bad" cholesterol, LDL is the main source of blockages in the arteries. But HDL cholesterol does not completely eliminate LDL cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL cholesterol builds up in the walls of your arteries, making them hard and narrow. LDL (bad) cholesterol. Healthy total cholesterol levels — the sum of your HDL and LDL — should stay below 200 mg/dL. Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) per tenth-liter (dL) of blood. HDL levels. Considered the "good" cholesterol, HDL helps get rid of "bad" LDL cholesterol. It is sometimes called the "bad" cholesterol because a high LDL level leads to a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries. LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, transports cholesterol particles throughout your body. (So, in the case of HDL cholesterol, higher levels are actually better.)
LDL cholesterol levels should be less than 100 mg/dL. A cholesterol test can give your health care provider important information about the cholesterol levels in your blood.
Total cholesterol. Total cholesterol: HDL cholesterol: LDL cholesterol: Triglycerides: Good: Less than 200 (but the lower the better) Ideal is 60 or higher; 40 or higher for … high cholesterol is when you have too much of a fatty substance called cholesterol in your blood; it's mainly caused by eating fatty food, not exercising enough, being overweight, smoking and drinking alcohol. LDL stands for low-density lipoproteins. Plant sterols or stanols don't appear to affect levels of triglycerides or of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol. It also measures triglycerides , a type of fat that stores extra energy from your diet. It can also run in families; you can lower your cholesterol by eating healthily and getting more exercise. Whey protein Studies have shown that whey protein given as a supplement lowers both LDL and total cholesterol as well as blood pressure. The test measures: LDL levels. The optimal level of LDL cholesterol for most people is 100 mg/dL or lower. It is sometimes called the "good" cholesterol because it carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver. HDL, or "good" cholesterol, picks up excess cholesterol and takes it back to your liver.