Cholesterol
What is it?
Cholesterol
LDL and HDL
HDL and LDL are lipoproteins that the body uses for dealing with cholesterol. Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) is responsible for transporting cholesterol to all cells in the body. High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is responsible for removing excess cholesterol from the blood stream and transporting it to the liver. LDL and HDL are structurally different through their composition. HDL is the smallest and densest of lipoproteins. It contains a relatively low amount of fat compared to its protein content. LDL is roughly twice the size of HDL and it is less dense. LDL have a lower density because they contain a much higher amount of fat in their core.
Concentrations of LDL and HDL Levels
- Why do Doctors monitor these?
- What do these levels mean?
Molecules Monitored Along with LDL and HDL
Reading Results of a Cholesterol Test
-For total level of cholesterol
- Below 200 mg/dL is disirable
- 200-239 mg/dL is borderline high
- 240 mg/dL and above is high
- Below 70 mg/dL is best for people who have heart disease or diabetes.
- Below 100 mg/dL is optimal for people at risk of heart disease.
- 100-129 mg/dL is near optimal if there is no heart disease. High if there is heart disease.
- 130-159 mg/dL is borderline high if there is no heart disease. High if there is heart disease.
- 160-189 mg/dL is high if there is no heart disease. Very high if there is heart disease.
- 190 mg/dL and above is very high.
- Below 40 mg/dL is poor
- 40-59 mg/dL is okay
- 60 mg/dL and above is best
- Below 150 mg/dL is desirable
- 150-199 mg/dL is borderline high
- 200-499 mg/dL is high
- 500 mg/dL and above is very high
Make a Change
Fats
Saturated and trans fats should be avoided in all diets because they are bad on the body.