HDL vs LDL Cholesterols and fats: Are all fats bad? That is what most people think. When trying to lose weight, or become healthier, people think they need to eliminate all fats from their diet. However, this is not correct. There are good fats and bad fats. But the body needs the good ones to function properly. Cholesterol travels through the blood on proteins called “lipoproteins”.

Type of Cholestrol | HDL vs LDL

Two types of lipoproteins carry cholesterol throughout the body:

1. LDL(low-density lipoprotein), or “bad” cholesterol, makes up most of our body’s cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol raise the risk for heart disease and stroke.
2. HDL(high-density lipoprotein), or “good” cholesterol, absorbs cholesterol and carries it back to the liver. The liver then flushes it from the body. High levels of HDL cholesterol can lower the risk for heart disease and stroke.

When the body has too much LDL cholesterol, the LDL cholesterol can build up on the walls of blood vessels. This build up is called “plaque”. As the blood vessels build up plaque over time, the lumen of the vessels become narrow. This narrowing blocks blood flow to and from the heart and other organs. When blood flow to the heart is blocked, it can cause angina or heart attack.

Prevention and Treatment of High cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia)

If you’re diagnosed with hyperlipidemia, your overall health and known risks (such as smoking or high blood pressure) will help guide treatment. These factors can combine with high LDL cholesterol or low HDL cholesterol levels to affect your cardiovascular health.

High cholesterol can be lowered, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. If you’re an adult 20 or older, have your cholesterol tested and work with your doctor to adjust your cholesterol levels as necessary.

Making the following lifestyle changes help treat high cholesterol:

• Quit smoking
• Increase physical activity
• Eat a healthy diet

It is best to choose foods that have low trans and saturated fats. Plant-based options are ideal, because they contain fiber, which can help increase HDL.

Author: Rtr. Jaya Arora
Club: RAC DAV (C) Dental
RID#3080

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