According to the American Heart Association, about 80 million Americans suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease. High cholesterol is a serious risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease, as noted by the National Cholesterol Education Program. The American Heart Association reports that 45 percent of adults in the United States have high cholesterol levels.
"Good" Cholesterol
High density lipoprotein, typically known as HDL cholesterol, transports cholesterol from the bloodstream to the liver for removal from the body, as reported by "Krause's Food, Nutrition, and Diet Therapy." HDL helps expel cholesterol from the body and decreases the amount stored in the blood, as noted by the American Heart Association, so it's considered to be "good" cholesterol that provides protection from atherosclerosis. According to the American Heart Association, an HDL level of at least 60 mg/dL is desirable. The higher the HDL, the lower the risk for cardiovascular disease. (see reference 4). Weight loss and exercise may help raise HDL levels.
"Bad" Cholesterol
Increased low density lipoprotein, or LDL cholesterol, is one of the top risk factors for cardiovascular disease, as noted by "Krause's Food, Nutrition, and Diet Therapy." LDL is the most prevalent cholesterol in the blood. The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends maintaining an LDL cholesterol of less than 100 mg/dL. Genetics play an important role in high LDL levels. High LDL levels clog the arteries and may lead to atherosclerosis, according to the American Heart Association. Fat intake, lack of exercise, liver damage, medications, age and hormones all play a part in raising LDL levels in the blood.
Triglycerides
The American Heart Association defines triglycerides as derivatives of fat compiled of food fats as well as fats generated by high sugar and carbohydrate intake. Excess caloric intake leads to the build up of fats in the form of triglycerides. According to "Krause's Food, Nutrition, and Diet Therapy," high triglyceride levels negatively impact HDL levels: as triglyceride levels go up, HDL levels go down. The National Cholesterol Education Program advises to keep triglycerides levels below 150 mg/dL. Obesity, high saturated fat intake and high carbohydrate intake promote increased triglyceride levels.
Very Low Density Lipoprotein
VLDL cholesterol is made by the liver, and helps move triglycerides and cholesterol through the blood. Triglycerides form the majority of VLDL cholesterol. Having high amounts of estrogen and following a vegetarian diet may increase levels of VLDL in the blood, as noted by "Krause's Food, Nutrition, and Diet Therapy."
References
- American Heart Association: Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics
- National Cholesterol Education Program: High Blood Cholesterol: What You Need To Know
- "Krause's Food, Nutrition, and Diet Therapy"; L. Kathleen Mahan and Sylvia Escott-Stump; 2005
- American Heart Association: Good vs. Bad Cholesterol
