What is LDL Cholesterol?

People have often read and heard of LDL cholesterol as something that is bad. What is it really and how can it affect one’s health?

Cholesterol Overview

Before one can understand the concept of LDL cholesterol, there is a need to first look into a general idea of cholesterol itself. Cholesterol is actually a type of fat that is produced by the liver. This organ however is not the only source of cholesterol. Animal food sources also contain cholesterol and if you eat a lot of trans and saturated fats, you will raise your cholesterol levels. Some amount of cholesterol is actually needed to keep you in good health but too much cholesterol can cause heart disease.

Cholesterol is insoluble in blood so they have to be transported to and away from cells through lipoproteins. Low density lipoproteins (LDL) transport cholesterol to the cells while high density lipoproteins (HDL) move cholesterol from the cells. A cholesterol blood test will determine the levels of LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol in your body as well as triglycerides and Lp(a).

LDL Cholesterol

LDL cholesterol has often been alternately called bad cholesterol. Some LDL cholesterol in the body however may be all right. It becomes bad if LDL cholesterol levels are too high in the blood. Too much LDL cholesterol can build up in the arteries and combine with other substances to form plaque. Deposits of this substance can increase in the arteries, narrow them and even totally block them through the formation of clots. Blocked arteries to the brain can cause stroke while blocked arteries to the heart can cause heart attack.

HDL Cholesterol

Fortunately the body doesn’t just have LDL cholesterol, it also has HDL cholesterol which is commonly known as good cholesterol. It is estimated that at least ¼ of the body’s cholesterol is transported away from the cells and arteries for disposal effectively slowing down the production of plaque. Having high levels of HDL can therefore protect you from the effects of LDL cholesterol.

Triglyceride and Lp(a)

During a routine cholesterol level screening you will also come across such terms as triglyceride and Lp(a). Triglyceride is also a kind of fat that can increase because of eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking and excessive alcohol drinking. Having a high triglyceride level would also mean that you have high bad cholesterol levels. Lp(a) is a variation of bad cholesterol and can also add to plaque deposits.

Screening

It is usually time to undergo cholesterol level screening if you are at the age risk bracket for heart disease. Women at the age of 50 and men at the age of 40 may need regular cholesterol level check ups. Aside from the age factor, you should also consider other risk factors. You should have regular check ups if you are overweight, inactive, diabetic, a smoker, have a family history of heart disease, have a personal history of mild stroke and have high blood pressure.

You may need to check with your doctor regularly for diet and exercise instructions. Severe cases or those who do not respond to diet recommendations may be asked to take medication.