What is Cholesterol?
By: Audrey Vendetti
What does LDL and HDL mean?
High Density Lipoprotein, also know as HDL, is a term used to describe the "good" cholesterol; it flows through your bloodstream and removes all the LDL from where it doesn't belong. Having a good supply of HDL will lower your risks of heart disease.
Comparing the structures.
Why do doctors monitor concentrations in LDL and HDL in patients' blood?
-While monitoring the levels of HDL and LDL, doctors will also monitor your total cholesterol and triglycerides.
- High concentrations of LDL can cause plaque build up on arterial walls which can result in atherosclerosis, the hardening of arteries, which increases your chances of a srtoke or heart attack.
- High concentrations of HDL lower the chances of heart disease by cleaning up the blood streams, collecting the LDL, and recycling it by carrying it back to the liver.
Other molecules
-total cholesterol &
-triglyceride
Triglyceride is known as another type of fat in the bloodstream.
What do the test results mean?
- desirable: below 200 mg/dL
- borderline high risk: 200-239 mg/dL
-high risk: 240 mg/dL and above
HDL:
- high risk: less than 40 mg/dL
Triglyceride:
-normal: less than 150 mg/dL
-borderline high risk: 150-199 mg/dL
-high risk: 200-499 mg/dL
-very high risk: above 500 mg/dL
LDL:
-high risk: 190 mg/dL and above
-desirable/ borderline risk: below 189 mg/dL
How do you change the LDL and HDL levels?
- If you smoke try reducing the amount but ultimately try to quit.
- Exercise, try to be active on most days and maintain a healthy weight
- Try to eliminate trans fats
-eat foods low in cholesterol; nuts, fish, olive oil/ coconut oil, fiber, oats, chocolate, spinach, and avocado.
-Try to reduce all stress factors.
Saturated, Unsaturated and Trans fats
Saturated: This type of fat is really unhealthy it increases your risks of type 2 diabetes and increases your LDL levels that can lead to future heart disease.
Trans fats: This is the most unhealthiest fat. It increases you LDL and decreases your HDL levels which can greater increase the risk of heart disease. Also, trans fats can affect the chances of type 2 diabetes and can elevate the risks of inflammation in the body.
Citations
- Cholesterol Tests: Understand Your Results. (2005-2016). Retrieved March 15, 2016, from http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/cholesterol-tests-understand-your-results