Cholesterol is a waxy, soft substance that is found throughout the bloodstream and in many cells of your body. However, differentiating the various types of cholesterol and fat in the blood can get confusing. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" and HDL cholesterol is referred as "good." Knowing more about LDL and HDL, as well as fats called triglycerides, can help you better understand your cholesterol values and take control of your health.
LDL Cholesterol
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is the type of cholesterol that circulates in the blood. Too much LDL cholesterol can result a buildup of plague on the arterial walls. This buildup narrows the arteries -- impeding blood flow -- and increases your risk of heart attack or stroke. Saturated fats like those in whole milk, meat, seafood and coconut oil, raise the LDL cholesterol level in the body.
HDL Cholesterol
HDL cholesterol's full name is high-density lipoprotein. It has gained its good reputation by protecting against heart attack. HDL by itself is actually a cholesterol carrier. It removes cholesterol from the bloodstream and takes it back to the liver where the body can then get rid of the excessl. Dietary sources of HDL cholesterol are vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and avocados.
Triglycerides
Both HDL and LDL cholesterol are made in the body and also acquired through dietary intake. Triglycerides are a type of fat that is solely made in the body. Your body turns dietary fat into triglycerides for delivery of fat from the bloodstream into the cells for storage. Excess carbohydrate consumption can also cause the body to make triglycerides. Your body converts the unused carbohydrates to fat that is stored with the help of triglycerides.
Cholesterol and Triglyceride Ranges
Cholesterol-level ranges provided by the American Heart Association are given in terms of their associated heart disease risk. An HDL level lower than 40 mg/dL in men is equated with higher risk, and in women, less than 50 mg/dL is higher risk. A level of 40 to 59 mg/dL represents a lower risk, and 60 mg/dL and above is better still -- the higher your HDL level, the lower your risk for heart disease.
For LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, the higher the number, the greater your heart disease risk. An LDL level less than 100 mg/dL is optimal, 100 to 129 mg/dL is near or above optimal, 130 to 159 mg/dL is borderline-high, 160 to 189 mg/dL is high and 190 mg/dL and above is very high. A triglyceride level less than 150 mg/dL is normal, 150 to 199 mg/dL is borderline-high and 200 to 499 mg/dL is high.
