Heart disease is the number-one cause of death among Americans and it is important to keep in mind the many different risk factors associated with heart disease. One important risk factor is your lipid profile. Your lipid profile, or cholesterol levels, are important in assessing your risk of a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack.
Different Kinds of Lipids
When you eat different kinds of fats and oils in your diet, they are absorbed into your lymphatic system and then go to your liver, where they are processed into different kinds of particles. These particles are then released into the blood stream, and this is what is measured by your doctor. The particles are VLDL, LDL and HDL.
Good Cholesterol -- HDL
HDL, or high density lipoprotein, is what doctors and clinicians refer to as the good cholesterol. HDL is the good cholesterol because it acts as a vacuum in your body and picks up excess lipid and brings it back to the liver. According to the NIH, a level of 60 mg/dL or higher can help lower your risk of heart disease. One good way to increase your HDL is to increase your cardiovascular exercise. Maintaining a healthy weight can also help to increase your HDL level.
Bad Cholesterol -- LDL
Your liver produces a particle called VLDL, or very low density lipoprotein, which is then converted into LDL in your blood stream. The LDL is considered the bad cholesterol because it deposits lipids and fats in your organs and tissues. If there is excess lipid in the blood, it may eventually be deposited under the lining of blood vessels and arteries. A high LDL level can raise your risk of developing heart disease. An LDL level less than 100 mg/dL is optimal, while an LDL level greater than 160 mg/dL is considered high.
You can lower your LDL levels by decreasing your intake of saturated fat and trans fat. Saturated fat is contained in many animal products, such as butter or other full fat dairy products. Trans fat is typically found in packaged food products and is included on the food's nutrition label.
Another Lipid -- Triglycerides
Triglycerides are another type of lipid that is produced when you eat fat or oil in your diet. Triglycerides are formed in the bloodstream and are then incorporated into VLDL and HDL in your liver. A high triglyceride level can increase your risk of heart disease. A triglyceride level of 150 mg/dL or less is considered to be normal.
One way to decrease triglyceride levels is maintain a healthy weight. Another way to decrease triglyceride levels is to decrease your intake of saturated fats and trans fat.
Resources and Guidance
You can find additional information about lipids and cholesterol at the National Heart, Lung and Blood website. The American Heart Association website also provides good information regarding a heart healthy lifestyle. There are links in the Resources section. As always, if you are concerned about your risk for heart disease, you should speak with your doctor for personalized advice.
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