What is Cholesterol?
By: Liz Harmon
LDL and HDL
How are they Difference?
The main difference between the two functions is the particles deliver cholesterol to different parts of the body. LDL brings cholesterol to the cells which can cause buildups in the arteries. Buildups can lead to blockages in the arteries which can also lead to heart disease or even stroke.
LDL and HDL
Good Foods
Bad Foods
At the Doctors
Doctors monitor HDL and LDL factors because a person's levels can help a doctor to evaluate a person's health. The doctor can also use the levels to determine if a person is at risk for heart disease. Doctors use the information to know whether more cholesterol is being carried to or from the cells.
Doctors also monitor triglycerides in the blood along with cholesterol levels. Triglycerides are another fat in the blood stream that is used to store energy and give energy to the muscles. Too much can increase the chances of having heart disease.
What the Cholesterol Test Means and How it is Related to Heart Disease
LDL can build up in the walls of your arteries which makes the arteries narrowed and blood flow is blocked or stopped to the heart. Blood carries oxygen to the heart, so when blood supply is cut off, it can lead to heart problems. Too little HDL means that there is more LDL in the blood stream, so there is a higher chance of heart disease. There needs to be more HDL than LDL in the blood stream to stay healthy.
Healthy Lifestyles
Citations
Kamps, A. (n.d.). How Do LDL and HDL Differ Structurally and Functionally? Retrieved March 11, 2016, from http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/ldl-hdl-differ-structurally-functionally-2003.htm
American Heart Association. "Know Your Fats." Know Your Fats. N.p., 2016. Web. 13 Mar. 2016. <http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/PreventionTreatmentofHighCholesterol/Know-Your-Fats_UCM_305628_Article.jsp#.VuWOMPkrKM8>.