Cholesterol
Learn about LDL and HDL!
What are LDL and HDL?
LDL is "bad" cholesterol that deposits in arterial walls and starts the disorder known as atherosclerosis. This condition is defined by clogged arterial walls and lessened flexibility which can lead to heart attack and stroke.
How do LDL and HDL differ structurally and functionally?
HDL and LDL differ functionally because of how they transport cholesterol. LDL transports cholesterol throughout all the cells in your body and bloodstream, causes arterial blockage. HDL on the other hand transports cholesterol away from the heart/organs and to the liver for processing/breakdown.
Cholesterol-Clogged Artery
Good vs. Bad cholesterol
Cholesterol blockage-percents
Why do doctors monitor the concentrations of LDL and HDL in patients' blood?
How are the concentrations of LDL and HDL associated with the risk for heart disease and associated disorders?
High concentrations of LDL can increase the risk for heart disease and similar disorders because of the massive arterial clogging it can cause. When arteries are clogged necessary nutrients (like oxygen) can be blocked from the heart, causing things like heart attack and heart failure. Not only that, but excess levels of LDL can cause atherosclerosis, a heart condition caused by the hardening of the arteries. Oppositely from LDL, high concentrations of HDL can promote good heart health. This is true because HDL can help remove LDL from the body.
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?
Cholesterol levels can fit into one of three categories. Desirable, borderline high, and high. Cholesterol levels in the desirable category measure less than 200, borderline high 200-239, and high 240 and up. As each level increases a patient's risk for heart attack and other disorders does the same.
What can patients do to change the levels of LDL and HDL in their blood?
How does intake of unsaturated, saturated, and trans fats affect cholesterol levels and overall health?
Sources
American Heart Association, (2015, January). Good Vs. Bad Cholesterol. American Heart Association Inc. Retrieved From:
www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/Good-vs-Bad-Cholesterol
Arielle Kamps, (2003) How Do LDL and HDL Differ Structurally and Functionally?. Demand Media.
Retrieved From: http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/ldl-hdl-differ-structurally-functionally
Medical News Today, (2014, October). What is cholesterol? What causes high cholesterol?. MediLexicon International Limited.
Retrieved From: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9152.php