Lipids are the term given to fats in your body. Your body needs a certain amount of lipids, such as cholesterol and triglycerides, to work properly. Too much of certain lipids, on the other hand, can lead to cardiovascular problems. Lipids can be found as part of larger complexes known as lipoproteins, which are made by the liver.
Lipoproteins and Lipids
Lipids are made of fats and do not mix well with water, causing them to be classified as "hydrophobic." Because the blood is a water-based substance, lipids will not mix well in the blood. Consequently, lipids are transported in compounds known as lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are made of a combination of lipids and proteins which can be classified as "amphiathic," Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute explains. Amphipathic proteins contain hydrophobic segments, but they also contain hydrophilic segments, which are portions of the protein that mix well with water. This allows these proteins to serve as bridges between the blood and the lipids.
Low-Density Lipoprotein
Lipoproteins carry cholesterol and other lipids throughout the body. One type of lipoprotein, known as low-density lipoprotein or LDL can cause cholesterol to become deposited in the walls of the arteries, increasing your risk of developing atherosclerosis. LDL molecules are generally formed by converting other kinds of lipoproteins into the LDL form. Your body uses LDL molecules to transport cholesterol to other tissues, where it can be used to make cell membranes, TheMedicalBiochemistryPage.org reports.
High-Density Lipoprotein
Another important lipoprotein is the high-density lipoprotein, or HDL molecule. High-density lipoproteins are made by the liver and initially do not contain much cholesterol or other lipids. Instead, these lipoproteins function as cholesterol scavengers, picking up excess cholesterol elsewhere in the body and transporting it back to the liver. as a result, HDL molecules are considered to be the "good" cholesterol; high levels of this form of cholesterol are associated with a decreased risk of developing cardiovascular problems.
Hyperlipidemia
If you have high levels of lipids and LDL lipoproteins in your blood, you have a condition known as hyperlipidemia, the Society for Vascular Surgery states. Hyperlipidemia can be caused in part by genetics, as your genes play a role in determining how much of each lipoprotein you make. Lifestyle factors can also trigger hyperlipidemia, such as obesity, smoking, a poor diet and not getting enough exercise. If you have poor lipid levels, improving them is one of the most important things you can do for your health.
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