Low-density Lipoprotein cholesterol is better known as LDL cholesterol and universally considered to be the "bad" cholesterol out of the two types that exist in the body. Keeping LDL cholesterol levels at a healthy level has become something of a national health obsession, notes "Circulation," especially since the National Cholesterol Education Program continues to make lowering LDL levels the central focus of cholesterol therapy. Learning more about the accepted LDL guidelines will help you assess your own health and understand the facts.
History
In the 1980s, the high levels of coronary heart disease in America led to the foundation of a group dedicated to educating the public on one of the root causes: high cholesterol levels. The National Heart and Blood Institute founded the National Cholesterol Education Program in 1985, which was dedicated to outreach and education with medical staff as well as the public. A cornerstone of this effort was instilling the knowledge that lowering high LDL cholesterol levels could reduce death rates from heart disease.
Significance
LDL cholesterol guidelines had the effect of transforming the conversation around heart health to one around cholesterol levels. MayoClinic.com and other forums were inundated with questions about what the right levels were for individual health. "Circulation" reports that high levels are considered to be LDL readings of 160 mg/dL or higher, and MayoClinic.com notes that levels of 240 mg/dL and above for a total cholesterol level is considered high.
Medications
The primary medications used to help bring LDL cholesterol levels down are statins. These drugs work by preventing the body from accessing an essential building block of cholesterol, and may even reduce the amount of cholesterol build-up within artery walls, according to MayoClinic.com. The National Heart and Blood Institute has found that statins are effective at lowering LDL levels in patients with or without heart disease.
Considerations
When looking at cholesterol levels, there is an intensive focus on LDL levels and guidelines to the exclusion of a deep discussion about HDL or "good" cholesterol levels. By focusing on a proscriptive approach, the medical community may be missing out on other ways to improve heart health.
Misconceptions
A serious misconception is that the lower the LDL level, the better. MayoClinic.com reports that having LDL levels that are too low is not only not ideal, but it can also cause other health problems. These health problems include increased risk of cancer, depression, anxiety and pregnancy complications for women who have low cholesterol levels during their pregnancy. LDL cholesterol levels that are below 70/dL are considered risky for low LDL, according to MayoClinic.com.
References
- Circulation: Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel
- MayoClinic.com: Cholesterol Level: Can It Be Too Low?
- MayoClinic.com: Cholesterol Levels: What numbers should you aim for?
- National Heart and Blood Institute: National Cholesterol Education Program
- MayoClinic.com: Statins: Are these cholesterol-lowering drugs right for you?
