What is the difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol and what does it mean for me?
Cholesterol is a type of fat and (like all fats) is not soluble in water. Lipoproteins help transport cholesterol in the bloodstream (as blood is water-based). The two main types of lipoproteins are: • Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) – the ‘bad’ cholesterol that contributes to blocked arteries and risk of heart disease. Current recommendations are to keep LDL cholesterol levels to <2.0mmol/L if at risk of heart disease. • High Density Lipoprotein (HDL)- the ‘good’ cholesterol that help protect arteries from a build up of fatty deposits. HDL cholesterol helps decrease heart disease risk. HDL cholesterol levels are recommended to be >1.0mmol/L. The total level of cholesterol in the blood is a combination of HDL (good) cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol. When having your cholesterol tested, ask your doctor to check both your HDL and LDL cholesterol. A low level of HDL cholesterol and a high level of LDL cholesterol in the blood will place you at risk of heart disease. Healthy eating to l
Cholesterol is a type of fat and (like all fats) is not soluble in water. Lipoproteins help transport cholesterol in the bloodstream (as blood is water-based). The two main types of lipoproteins are: • Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) – the ‘bad’ cholesterol that contributes to blocked arteries and risk of heart disease. Current recommendations are to keep LDL cholesterol levels to <2.0mmol/L if at risk of heart disease. • High Density Lipoprotein (HDL)- the ‘good’ cholesterol that help protect arteries from a build up of fatty deposits. HDL cholesterol helps decrease heart disease risk. HDL cholesterol levels are recommended to be >1.0mmol/L. The total level of cholesterol in the blood is a combination of HDL (good) cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol. When having your cholesterol tested, ask your doctor to check both your HDL and LDL cholesterol. A low level of HDL cholesterol and a high level of LDL cholesterol in the blood will place you at risk of heart disease. Healthy eating to l