- LDL is a low density lipoprotein that is considered the “bad cholesterol” which contributes to plaque that can clog arteries and make them less flexible.
- HDL is high density lipoprotein and is considered the “good cholesterol”. It finds and removes LDL
- Approximately 50 percent of the weight of an LDL particle is cholesterol and only 25 percent is protein. HDL consists of 20 percent cholesterol by weight and 50 percent protein.
- Doctors monitor the concentrations between LDL and HDL in patients blood because their levels in the blood help doctors to evaluate a person’s health status and to determine whether a person is at risk for cardiovascular disease.
- LDL and HDL concentrations can build up on the walls of your arteries causing the arteries to become narrow. Blood flow slows down and oxygen is not able to travel to the heart which can result in a heart attack. This increases risk of heart disease and other associated disorders.
- LDL cholesterol levels:
- 190 mg/dL and above represents a high risk for heart disease
- HDL cholesterol:
- High risk: Less than 40 mg/dL
- What can patients do to change the levels of LDL and HDL in their blood?
- eat a healthy diet
- maintain a healthy diet
- exercise regularly
- don't smoke
- What other molecules in a patient’s blood are monitored along with LDL and HDL?
- VLDL- very low-density proteins
- Triglycerides
- Very high risk: 500 mg/dL and above
- High risk: 200-499 mg/dL
- Borderline high risk: 150-199 mg/dL
- Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL