Why Is HDL and LDL Referred to as Good and Bad Cholesterol?
HDL is beneficial
What are the risks of high triglycerides and cholesterol?
High triglyceride levels combined with high LDL (bad) cholesterol or low HDL (good) cholesterol can lead to fatty buildups within artery walls, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke, according to the American Heart Association. Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body, storing excess energy from our diet. Taking steps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels is an important part of keeping our heart healthy.
What is atherosclerosis?
High levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood can lead to the build-up of plaque in the arteries, known as atherosclerosis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on cdc.gov (2020). This can cause the inside of the arteries to narrow over time. Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood that your body uses for energy.
What are HDL and LDL?
High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are known as "good cholesterol" because they help transport cholesterol to the liver, while low-density lipoproteins (LDL) can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries. Via Healthline, lipoproteins are made up of both fat and proteins, and cholesterol is transported through them. Having higher HDL levels is associated with better health outcomes.
LDL is detrimental
What are the health risks of high triglyceride levels?
High triglyceride levels combined with high LDL cholesterol or low HDL cholesterol can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Attributed to the American Heart Association, on heart.org, this is linked with fatty buildups in artery walls. Knowing your cholesterol levels is important to maintaining your health.
High levels of triglycerides, combined with low HDL and/or high LDL cholesterol levels, can increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on cdc.gov (2022). Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood that your body uses for energy.
What is the difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol?
HDL, or "good cholesterol", transports cholesterol to the liver to be removed from the body, while LDL, or "bad cholesterol", can lead to plaque build-up in arteries, according to Healthline, on healthline.com, in Mar 2022. High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease.
HDL helps reduce risk of heart disease
What is the difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is considered the "good" cholesterol, while low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is considered the "bad" cholesterol as it contributes to fatty buildups in arteries. As reported by the American Heart Association, a blood test can measure the amount of each type of cholesterol, and high levels of LDL cholesterol can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Triglycerides are another type of fat in the blood and are also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
What can one do to increase their HDL cholesterol?
Having a higher HDL cholesterol level than 45 mg/dL for men and 55 mg/dL for women is linked to a lower risk of heart disease, vascular disease, and stroke, according to Harvard Health. To increase HDL cholesterol levels, individuals should maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking. It may be beneficial to take medications prescribed by a doctor to raise HDL levels.
High LDL (low-density lipoproteins) cholesterol levels can lead to buildup of cholesterol in the arteries, while HDL (high-density lipoproteins) cholesterol is considered the "good" cholesterol as it transports cholesterol from other parts of the body to the liver for removal from the body. As reported by MedlinePlus, 2020, this is why HDL is considered beneficial while LDL is considered "bad". It is also important to maintain a good balance between the two.
LDL increases risk of heart disease
What is the difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol?
A high level of LDL cholesterol is considered "bad" and increases risk for heart attack, stroke and peripheral artery disease (PAD) according to the American Heart Association on heart.org, 2020. HDL cholesterol is considered the "good" cholesterol, because it helps remove other fats from the blood.
How can I increase my HDL cholesterol?
Having higher HDL cholesterol levels is beneficial for reducing the risk of heart disease, vascular disease, and stroke, with a good goal being higher than 55 mg/dL for women and 45 mg/dL for men. Attributed to Harvard Health, ways to increase HDL cholesterol include regular exercise, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight.
What is bad cholesterol?
High levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood can increase the risk of coronary artery disease and other heart diseases, as reported by MedlinePlus Medical Test. LDL cholesterol is also known as "bad" cholesterol and it causes the buildup of plaque in arteries. HDL cholesterol, or "good" cholesterol, helps to reduce the risk of heart disease.
HDL lowers levels of bad cholesterol
What increases the risk of heart attack and stroke?
High triglyceride levels combined with high LDL or low HDL cholesterol can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. According to the American Heart Association, this is because fatty buildups can occur within the artery walls. To reduce this risk, it is important to maintain healthy cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise.
What is the difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol?
HDL cholesterol is beneficial to your health, as it helps remove excess cholesterol from your body, whereas LDL cholesterol is considered "bad" as it takes cholesterol to your arteries, increasing the risk of blockages. As stated by Healthline, on healthline.com, Mar 24, 2022, having high levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to heart disease and stroke.
What is the difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol?
Cholesterol tests measure HDL (the "good cholesterol") and LDL (the "bad cholesterol") levels. Mentioned in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, acceptable levels of LDL vary from person to person. The test also measures total triglycerides and total cholesterol. On LetsGetChecked.com, it is suggested that people keep their total cholesterol below 200mg/dL and their LDL below 100mg/dL for optimal health.
LDL raises levels of bad cholesterol
What are the risks of having high triglyceride and cholesterol levels?
High triglyceride levels combined with high LDL (bad) cholesterol or low HDL (good) cholesterol can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, according to the American Heart Association. Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body, and they store excess energy from your diet. To maintain optimal heart health, it is important to monitor your triglyceride, LDL and HDL levels and make lifestyle changes as necessary.
What is the difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol?
HDL cholesterol helps remove cholesterol from the body, while LDL cholesterol transports cholesterol to the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. Sourced from Healthline, HDL is known as the good cholesterol, and LDL is known as the bad cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and have been linked to an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Which is the good cholesterol?
HDL cholesterol is the good cholesterol, while LDL cholesterol is the bad cholesterol. From Dr. Cho from Cleveland Clinic, a simple way to remember this is to think of "H for happy" for HDL. Knowing how to differentiate between HDL and LDL cholesterol is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
HDL increases energy levels
What health risks can high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol pose?
High levels of HDL cholesterol can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, while high levels of triglycerides and low levels of HDL cholesterol can increase the risk. An info from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in October 2022, a combination of high levels of triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol or high LDL cholesterol can be particularly damaging to one's health.
What are the three components of cholesterol levels?
Cholesterol levels are composed of LDL, HDL and Triglycerides, which are respectively known as bad cholesterol, good cholesterol and fats in the blood. From WebMD, understanding these numbers is essential for effective cholesterol management. It is important to note that high cholesterol can lead to heart disease and other serious health complications.
What are the acceptable levels of bad cholesterol?
Cholesterol tests measure the levels of "good" (HDL) and "bad" (LDL/low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in the body, as well as total triglycerides and total cholesterol. According to Get Checked, the acceptable levels of bad cholesterol vary from person to person. Research shows that maintaining healthy cholesterol levels can reduce the risk of heart disease.
LDL decreases energy levels
What are healthy cholesterol levels?
The general guidelines for healthy cholesterol levels are total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL, LDL cholesterol less than 100 mg/dL, and HDL cholesterol above 40 mg/dL, according to the American Heart Association. On Medical News Today, it is reported that HDL and LDL cholesterol have different functions, ranges and ratios, which should be taken into account when measuring cholesterol levels.
Is there more to a healthy-heart diet than cholesterol?
Yes, there is more to a healthy-heart diet than cholesterol; it should include both HDL and LDL, which are categorized as "good" and "bad" cholesterol respectively. As mentioned in the research published in Nature, HDL helps to clear away clogged arteries while LDL can lead to the accumulation of cholesterol and blockage of arteries. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can help keep LDL levels in check.
Can physical activity lower cholesterol and high blood pressure?
Regular physical activity is an effective way to lower both cholesterol and high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association. This can be achieved by doing at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week. Regular physical activity can also increase HDL cholesterol, which helps remove bad cholesterol from arteries. Studies have shown that a sedentary lifestyle lowers HDL cholesterol.
HDL is protective
What is the benefit of having high HDL cholesterol?
Having a healthy level of HDL (good) cholesterol may help to protect against heart attack and stroke. Sourced from the American Heart Association, HDL cholesterol is beneficial as it carries LDL (bad) cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where the LDL is broken down and passed from the body. Studies have shown that raising HDL levels through lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
What is atherosclerosis?
High levels of LDL and HDL cholesterol, as well as triglycerides, can lead to atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the arteries. Mentioned in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this can cause the arteries to narrow over time. Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood that the body uses for energy.
What is the difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol?
HDL cholesterol is considered the "good" cholesterol as it carries excess LDL cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is broken down and passed from the body, according to The Healthy in 2021. LDL cholesterol, on the other hand, is considered the "bad" cholesterol, as it builds up in the arteries and can cause health problems. To maintain a healthy balance of both types of cholesterol, regular exercise and a balanced diet are essential.
LDL is harmful
What is HDL?
HDL, or high-density lipoproteins, is commonly known as the "good" cholesterol as it carries cholesterol from other parts of the body to the liver to be broken down, according to MedlinePlus. HDL is a combination of fat and protein, and works with LDL (low-density lipoproteins) for different purposes. HDL levels should be kept within healthy levels for overall health.
What is the purpose of a cholesterol test?
Cholesterol tests measure a person's HDL (good cholesterol) level and LDL (bad cholesterol) level to help determine the risk of developing heart disease. According to LetsGetChecked, acceptable LDL levels vary from person to person and are determined by a healthcare professional. It is also important to note that triglycerides, total cholesterol, and HDL levels can also help in assessing heart health.
What is the importance of cholesterol levels?
Cholesterol levels, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or "good" cholesterol, and triglycerides, are important indicators of overall health and can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication. Mentioned in WebMD, understanding these numbers can help people make better decisions about their health in 2022. Triglycerides are fats carried in the blood from the food we eat.
Source:
- Heart : HDL (Good), LDL (Bad) Cholesterol, Triglycerides.
- Cdc : LDL, HDL, Cholesterol, Triglycerides.
- Harvard : Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, - Harvard Health.
- Medlineplus : Cholesterol Levels, MedlinePlus Medical Test.
- Healthline : LDL Cholesterol, What, the Difference.
