The terminology surrounding cholesterol levels and heart disease can be confusing, but understanding the differences between cholesterol, triglycerides and high- and low-density lipoproteins can help you avoid illnesses like heart disease and stroke. Cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides are all terms referring to nutrients that circulate in your blood. These substances can have both negative and positive effects on your health.
HDL, or Good, Cholesterol
There are proteins that circulate in your bloodstream, called lipoproteins, which help transport fats, or lipids, throughout your body to be used in cell production. HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein. These serve as carriers that whisk excess cholesterol out of the bloodstream and into the liver, where it is metabolized and prepared for excretion. Because of its ability to clear fat from the blood, HDL is referred to as good cholesterol.
LDL, or Bad, Cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, transports cholesterol to the tissues throughout your body to help build cells and synthesize hormones. But if you have excess LDL circulating in your blood, it can build up on the inner walls of your blood vessels, causing them to narrow and harden. Because of its ability to block blood vessels and cause arterial hardening, LDL is known as bad cholesterol.
Triglyceride
Triglyceride is another fat that circulates in your blood, but triglyceride differs from cholesterol in its purpose. Cholesterol is used by the body to produce cells and hormones, whereas triglycerides provide energy by storing unused fat calories. Both cholesterol and triglycerides travel through your bloodstream carried by lipoproteins and both are associated with your risk of heart disease, according to MayoClinic.com.
Managing your Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels
By modifying your diet, you can decrease your levels of bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. This will involve lowering your consumption of saturated fats that are common in meat, eggs and dairy products. Adding healthy omega-3 fats will help and can be easily achieved by eating fish twice per week. Cutting back on overall calories and losing weight will help lower your cholesterol levels if you are overweight, according to Penn State Hershey's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
Consult your doctor if you are concerned about high cholesterol. In addition to treating your high cholesterol with medication, she can help you make healthy dietary and lifestyle changes that will lower your serum cholesterol levels and decrease your risk of heart disease.
