What do LDL and HDL mean?
LDL stands for “low density lipoprotein” and HDL stands for “high density lipoprotein.” In your bloodstream, “bad” cholesterol is carried by the LDL and “good” cholesterol is carried by the HDL. The total cholesterol level in your blood is a reflection of the balance between HDL and LDL cholesterol. What can cause high cholesterol? Elevated cholesterol levels can be caused by several factors. They include diet, heredity, obesity, lack of exercise, age, and gender. Of these factors, only heredity, age and gender are beyond your control. Why are high cholesterol levels bad? When LDL cholesterol is too high, it tends to stick to the lining of the blood vessels, leading to “atherosclerosis” or hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerotic “plaques” can cause narrowing of the arteries and lead to heart attacks and strokes. An elevated LDL cholesterol level is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Some people have elevated cholesterol levels as a result of some specific medical cond
