Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance vital for your body's cells to function correctly. It travels through your blood on particles called lipoproteins. The two main types of cholesterol are Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL).
Here's a breakdown of each and what they indicate about your health:
1. LDL Cholesterol ("Bad" Cholesterol)
* What it is: LDL cholesterol makes up most of your body's cholesterol. It transports cholesterol to cells that need it for repair.
* Why it's "bad": If there's too much LDL cholesterol in your blood, it can accumulate in the walls of your blood vessels, forming plaque. This plaque buildup, called atherosclerosis, causes arteries to narrow and stiffen, which can reduce blood flow.
* Health implications: High levels of LDL cholesterol significantly increase your risk of serious health problems like heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.
* Optimal levels: Ideally, LDL cholesterol levels should be less than 100 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter). Levels of 100-129 mg/dL are considered near or above optimal, while 130-159 mg/dL is borderline high.
2. HDL Cholesterol ("Good" Cholesterol)
* What it is: HDL cholesterol is considered "good" because it helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream. It collects LDL cholesterol from the arteries and carries it back to the liver, where it's broken down and eliminated from the body. HDL also combats inflammation and helps prevent blood clots.
* Health implications: Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of heart attack and stroke. Conversely, low HDL levels can increase your risk of heart disease.
* Optimal levels: For men, HDL cholesterol should ideally be above 40 mg/dL, and for women, above 50 mg/dL. Many healthcare providers suggest an HDL level above 60 mg/dL for better protection against heart disease. However, extremely high HDL levels (above 100 mg/dL) might also indicate a higher risk of heart disease, potentially due to genetic factors.
What your cholesterol levels tell you about your health:
A blood test, called a lipid panel, measures your cholesterol levels, including total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides (another type of fat in your blood). These results, along with other risk factors like age, blood pressure, weight, family history, and lifestyle habits (smoking, diet, exercise), provide a comprehensive picture of your cardiovascular risk.
Doctors often consider the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol as a better indicator of heart disease risk than LDL levels alone. A desirable total cholesterol to HDL ratio is 5:1, with an optimal ratio being 3.5:1. Lower ratios are generally healthier.
If your cholesterol levels are outside the healthy range, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking. In some cases, medication may also be prescribed to help manage cholesterol levels.