What are LDL and HDL?
Calling LDL "bad" cholesterol and HDL "good" is not necessarily accurate. In fact, if kept in check, both are rather "good".
LDL
low density lipoprotein, a lipid that is necessary for supporting the membranes of the cells in our bodies. Because cholesterol cannot dissolve or be absorbed directly, LDLs are necessary. These low density lipoproteins then locate and transport cholesterol throughout the body (WebMD, n.d.).If your LDL is 190 or more, it is considered very high. Your doctor will most likely recommend a statin in addition to making healthy lifestyle choices. Statins are medicines that can help lower cholesterol levels
LDL cholesterol can build up on the walls of your arteries and increase your chances of getting heart disease. That is why LDL cholesterol is referred to as "bad" cholesterol. The lower your LDL cholesterol number, the lower your risk.
HDL cholesterol acts as a maintenance crew for the inner walls of blood vessels (endothelium). Damage to the endothelium is the first step in the process of atherosclerosis, Anna's condition, which causes heart attacks and strokes. HDL chemically scrubs the endothelium clean and keeps it healthy.
(WebMD, n.d.)
Some LDL cholesterol flowing through the bloodstream tends to deposit in the walls of arteries. This process starts as early as adolescence. In fact, sometimes high cholesterol can be inherited from your parents. White blood cells try to digest the LDL, most likely in an attempt to protect the blood vessels. In the process, the white blood cells convert the LDL to a toxic (oxidized) form. Over time, more LDL cholesterol and cells collect in the area. The ongoing process creates a bump in the artery wall called a plaque. The plaque is made of cholesterol, cells, and debris.
The process tends to continue, slowly blocking the artery as the plaque grows (WebMD, n.d)
HDL, also known as high density lipoprotein, is a lipoprotein that scours the bloodstream in search for stray LDL cholesterol and transports them back to the liver where they can be reused (WebMD, n.d.).
The process tends to continue, slowly blocking the artery as the plaque grows (WebMD, n.d)
HDL
When it comes to HDL cholesterol -- "good" cholesterol - a higher number means lower risk. This is because HDL cholesterol protects you against heart disease by preventing the LDL to block the artery. A statin can slightly increase your HDL, as can exercise.HDL, also known as high density lipoprotein, is a lipoprotein that scours the bloodstream in search for stray LDL cholesterol and transports them back to the liver where they can be reused (WebMD, n.d.).
HDL cholesterol acts as a maintenance crew for the inner walls of blood vessels (endothelium). Damage to the endothelium is the first step in the process of atherosclerosis, Anna's condition, which causes heart attacks and strokes. HDL chemically scrubs the endothelium clean and keeps it healthy.
(WebMD, n.d.)