The Difference Between LDL and HDL Cholesterol
Even if you have been having your cholesterol levels monitored regularly, the alphabet-mix of letters and numbers may be a little bit confusing. You know that there are both good and bad types of cholesterol, by you may not understand which is which and what makes them good and bad. Here is a look at the differences to make understanding your cholesterol easier.
On its own, neither form of cholesterol is bad. While abnormal cholesterol levels can contribute to heart disease and other health risks, in normal levels it is needed by the body. The body produces cholesterol naturally, and needs it for certain reactions throughout the body. Cholesterol helps build cell membranes and increase membrane fluidity so that nutrients can pass through. It also helps your body to metabolize certain vitamins like A, D, E, and K. There are also some scientists that believe that cholesterol helps produce bile, the chemical that allows you to digest fat. So while you do not want your cholesterol levels to get too high, at the same time you need to have some cholesterol.
You have probably heard about “good” and “bad” cholesterol, but do you know which one is which? When your doctor starts talking about HDL cholesterol, that is the “good” type of cholesterol. HDL is short for high-density lipoprotein. The “bad” cholesterol is LDL, or low-density lipoproteins. However, terming either “good” or “bad” is misleading. The only difference between the two types of cholesterol is the carrier. HDL cholesterol is carried by high-density lipoprotein, which is supposedly better for you because it can remove the cholesterol from the heart and carry it down to the liver where it can be eliminated. Low-density lipoproteins are the carriers that deposit cholesterol along the walls of the arteries and blood vessels, contributing to heart disease and your risk for heart attack and stroke.
For the average person, their doctor will want their HDL cholesterol levels at 40 mg/DL or higher. If your number is lower than 40, then you are at an increased risk for developing coronary problems. For your LDL cholesterol levels, your number should be less than 100 to lower your risk of coronary problems. However, your ideal numbers may be slightly lower or higher depending on what other risks you have for heart disease and other health problems.
So in summary, there really is no such thing as “good” or “bad” cholesterol – simply good and bad methods of carrying it. HDL cholesterol is only considered good because it removes cholesterol from your heart where it could cause a problem. LDL is only considered bad because of its tendency to block your arteries and contribute to heart disease.
Your doctor will be able to better explain your own personal levels of cholesterol. If your levels are not within the optimum, healthy ranges, your doctor will also be able to give you a plan of action for getting them back within normal ranges. For many people, this will involve a combination of diet and exercise changes, as well as the possible assistance of medications.
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