Cholesterol
By; Sierra Goodman
LDL (Low-density lipoprotein)
LDL carries cholesterol through the body when it needs it. When it does not need it, it will just float around in the blood stream. (Mayo Clinic)
HDL (High-density lipoprotein)
HDL is known as "good" cholesterol. They pick up excess cholesterol in the blood stream and then take it back to the liver, where the cholesterol gets broken down. If you have a high level of HDL, the less "bad" cholesterol you will have in your blood stream. (Mayo Clinic)
How do LDL & HDL differ structually and functionally?
They are around the same size and have the same shape. But HDL has more protein and less lipids as to LDL that has more lipids than protein. (Harvard Health Publications)
Why do doctors monitar the concentrations of LDL & HDL?
The doctors make sure you do not have to much cholesterol can clog arteries, causing a heart attack or even a stroke. They also make sure you have enough. (Harvard Health Publications)
Documentation
Mayo Clinic. (n.d). Cholesterol. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/hdl-cholesterol/art-20046388
Harvard Health Publications. (n.d). Cholesterol. Retrieved from http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Heart_Letter/2010/March/hdl-the-good-but-complex-cholesterol