Cholesterol, LDL and HDL
By: Tyler Heston
What are LDL and HDL?
HDL- HDL is "good" cholesterol. HDL will remove LDL and also clean the inner walls of blood vessels.
How do LDL and HDL Differ Structurally and Functionally?
Function- The main function difference is where they deliver cholesterol to. LDL brings cholesterol to cells throughout your body. While HDL takes cholesterol to the liver and takes it away from the heart and other organs.
Why do Doctors Monitor the Concentrations of LDL and HDL in Patient's Blood?
How are the Concentrations of LDL and HDL Associated with the Risk for Heart Disease and Associated Disorders?
HDL can help prevent heart disease because it cleans blood vessels.
What Other Molecules in a Patient's Blood are Monitored Along with LDL and HDL?
What do the Results of a Cholesterol Test Mean? How do Patients Interpret Each Value?
A normal blood cholesterol test will be under 200 mg/dL
A normal LDL level will be less than 100 mg/dL
For HDL it would be a high risk if your levels were under 40 mg/dL
For triglycerides a normal result would be less than 150 mg/dL
What Can Patients do to Change the Levels of LDL and HDL in their Blood?
Exercise more. Get on a treadmill and jog, or maybe go outside and jog. Any sort of physical activity that can break a sweat can help. This will also help you lose weight.
Quit smoking. Smoking is a bad habit and it will ruin your life.
Limit alchohol intake.
How does Intake of Unsaturated, Saturated and Trans Fats Affect Cholesterol Levels and Overall Health?
Unsaturated Fat- If you eat unsaturated fat instead of saturated fat it will help your cholesterol level.
Trans Fat- Trans fat will raise your LDL level and lower your HDL level.