The type of cholesterol referred to as bad cholesterol is called low-density lipoprotein, or LDL. High levels of LDL in the blood can lead to cardiovascular disease. Tests for determining LDL levels are widely available both through doctors and through home kits that can be mailed to a lab. Medication and diet can be used to control high levels of LDL cholesterol as well as total cholesterol.
Description
Low-density lipoprotein is considered bad because it is the type of cholesterol that can slowly build up in the blood vessels, creating plaques. This can develop into the condition called atherosclerosis, in which the hard deposits cause the arteries to become narrow and stiff, making efficient blood flow more difficult. Blood can clot at the site of these plaques and cut off blood flow completely, initiating a stroke or heart attack.
Types
Some people have a specific genetic variant of LDL called Lp(a) that is even worse than regular LDL. Lp(a) hasn't been studied much yet, but it seems to predispose individuals who have it to developing arterial plaques earlier in life than other people. Another type of cholesterol is high-density lipoprotein, also called HDL or good cholesterol. Triglycerides are another form of lipid that can occur in conjunction with cholesterol in the bloodstream.
Tests
A blood test is used to determine the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood. Before testing for LDL, the individual should fast overnight so a recent intake of food doesn't skew the results. The optimal level of LDL in the blood is less than 100 mg/dL. Anything over 190 mg/dL is considered extremely high. People with a history of heart disease may need to keep their LDL levels below 70 mg/ dL.
Control
Diet and medicine are two ways to lower your levels of LDL. According to MayoClinic.com, oatmeal is one of the best foods for lowering LDL because of its soluble fiber content. Walnuts, olive oil and sterol-fortified orange juice are other foods that can help reduce bad cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol-lowering medications called statins are a common drug for treating people with high LDL levels. Other types of medications that lower bad cholesterol include bile acid binding resins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors and the vitamin niacin in prescription dosages.
Screening
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, up to 26 percent of young adults have high LDL levels, but only 50 percent of men between the ages of 20 to 35 and women between 20 and 45 have been tested to determine their cholesterol levels. The CDC recommends individuals with other risk factors for heart disease, such as obesity, a family history of cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure, be screened for high cholesterol every year.
