Understanding Cholesterol: What's the Deal with HDL and LDL?

By Gabby Hyman gabby.hyman@hqpublications.com Pharmavita Columnist October 22, 2004

It's plain and simple: everyone has cholesterol. You're born with it. It's in your bloodstream and your cells. It helps the body restore cells and cell linings. And the diet you eat produces more cholesterol.

The more animal products you consume, the more cholesterol your body makes. If you want to reduce cholesterol, moderate meat and dairy and add more fruits, vegetables, and cereals to your dinner table.

There are two major lipoproteins that move cholesterol in the body: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL takes reduces cholesterol in your arteries; LDL carries it to them. Too much LDL in your system can lead to heart disease and stroke.

Have Your Cholesterol is Measured

Doctors will evaluate your blood test for cholesterol levels and prescribe a course of action if you need to lower cholesterol in your system. When you look at your test, you'll discover a ranking for total cholesterol.

If your total cholesterol is less than 200 mg/dL, you're in the safe zone, depending upon other risk factors. If your total cholesterol level is up to 239 mg/dL, you are considered a borderline high-risk patient. Most likely you'll need to alter your diet and get more exercise.

Get into Action

If the total cholesterol level is at 240 mg/dL and above, your risk of having severe coronary heart disease is high. The physician will prescribe medication along with a serious change in diet and exercise.

While medications work well, the American Heart Association still recommends that if you're in a medium to high-risk group, you should get 30 to 60 minutes of vigorous exercise daily to keep your levels in check.


About the Author
Gabby Hyman has written for print and online media for more than 20 years. He has created online content for eToyds, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Avaya, and Nissan, UK. He has also been a web consultant to the Governer of California. As an author of fiction, journalism, and poetry, Gabby is a former English professor for the University of Illinois, Universityu of Alaska, and Old Dominion University. He holds an MFA in fiction writing from the University of Alabama.