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.
HDL versus LDL
There are two types of cholesterol:
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) – Considered “good” cholesterol
- Low-density lipoprotein (lLDL) – Considered “bad” 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.
Diagnosis of elevated LDL Cholesterol
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.
Important
Doctors utilize the Dyslipidemia Guidelines 2019 for the risk classification and as guide in treating hyperlipidemia in patients. It also stresses the target levels for each cholesterol level. The guidelines also mentioned that those adults aged 40 to 75 years who are being evaluated for cardiovascular disease prevention should undergo 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk estimation and have a clinician–patient risk discussion before starting on medications such as statins.
Lower values are preferable. The typical recommendations for people regarding LDL cholesterol test outcomes are:
- Ideal: 100 milligrams or fewer per deciliter (mg/dl)
- Near or above ideal range: 100-129 mg/dl
- Perhaps high: 130 to 159 mg/dl
- High: 160-189 mg/dl
- Very high: 190 mg/dl and beyond
A goal LDLof 70 mg/dl or less may be advised by your doctor if you have a condition like diabetes or heart disease.
High LDL cholesterol risks
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.
Lowering excessive LDL cholesterol
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:
- Eating extra fiber and plant sterols, such as those found in margarine or nuts, and avoid foods heavy in saturated fat, cholesterol, or simple carbohydrates like sugar and white bread.
- Frequent activity, preferably heart-pumping exercise
- Reducing weight. Even 5 to 10 pounds can lower your cholesterol
- If you’re struggling to stop smoking, your doctor can help you choose the program that will work best for you.
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.
Key Takeaways
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.
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