Because it builds up in the walls of your blood arteries and increases your risk of health issues like a heart attack or stroke, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is sometimes referred to as the “bad” cholesterol.
Medically reviewed by Lauren Labrador, MD, FPCP, DPCC · Cardiology
Because it builds up in the walls of your blood arteries and increases your risk of health issues like a heart attack or stroke, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is sometimes referred to as the “bad” cholesterol.
However, not all cholesterol is harmful because your body requires it to produce healthy cells and hormones, safeguard your nerves, and make part of it on its own in your liver. Because cholesterol won’t dissolve in blood, proteins must carry it there instead. These carriers are known as lipoproteins.
There are two types of cholesterol:
This is because HDL transports cholesterol to your liver, where it is flushed out of your body. High HDL levels may protect against heart attacks and strokes.
A blood test can measure your triglycerides, a type of fat that stores extra energy from your diet and can increase your risk of developing heart problems. Experts recommend testing every 4 to 6 years. But you may need it more frequently if you have diabetes, heart disease, or high cholesterol runs in your family.
Lower values are preferable. The typical recommendations for people regarding LDL cholesterol test outcomes are:
A goal LDLof 70 mg/dl or less may be advised by your doctor if you have a condition like diabetes or heart disease.
Fatty deposits can build in your blood vessels as a result of excessive cholesterol. Over time, these deposits increase and obstruct the passage of blood through your arteries. Occasionally, these deposits can suddenly burst and create a clot that results in a heart attack or stroke.
High levels of LDL cholesterol can increase your risk of developing issues such as coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, heart disease, including angina and heart attacks, and stroke.
Guidelines are used to bring “bad” cholesterol down to a set level. You and your doctor will likely collaborate to find a strategy to get it down by a certain percentage, as it depends on your risk of developing heart disease or a stroke.
Doctors use a calculation to predict your likelihood of developing those issues in the following 10 years. The calculator takes into account a number of factors, such as your cholesterol level, age, blood pressure, whether you smoke, and if you use blood pressure medication. Other risks include diabetes with a family history of cardiac disease.
Try it out here.
Your doctor will create a strategy of behavioral modifications and/or medicines that will reduce your cholesterol levels and overall risk of developing a heart condition.
Your plan may include:
If you can’t take statins or have a severe form of high cholesterol, you might get shots of pcsk9 inhibitors, which help your liver remove more LDL from your blood. Some medications, like statins, help keep your body from making cholesterol. Another, ezetimibe (zetia), lowers the amount of cholesterol your body gets from the food you eat.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is referred to as bad cholesterol as it increases your risk for a range of health issues, including stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular diseases. However, you can reduce your risk by adopting healthier habits such as changing your diet and incorporating more exercise. Consult your doctor regarding risks and the possible treatment plans for you.
Learn more about Cholesterol here.
Disclaimer
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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