What is the difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol?
HDL cholesterol is made in your body, by your body. You can’t eat it! In order to travel through your blood, cholesterol joins with protein to form a lipoprotein. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the so-called “good” cholesterol because it takes cholesterol back to the liver where it is removed from the body. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol is also made by your body. It is called “bad” because it can result in fatty deposits which clog up your arteries which can stop your blood from flowing properly. If your doctor orders a cholesterol test, try to find out your ratio of HDL (“good”) cholesterol to LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. The higher the ratio of HDL to LDL, the better. HDL “GOOD” CHOLESTEROL: Cholesterol attached to HDLs is taken to liver for removal. LDL “BAD” CHOLESTEROL: Cholesterol attached to LDLs is deposited on artery walls. Visit the Resource Centre to download the “Cholesterol Clues” brochure and for more educational material.
