What`s the difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol?
Dr. Weiss: Cholesterol cant dissolve in the bloodstream so it depends on two things to carry it to where it needs to go. High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL) or the so-called `good` cholesterol, act as scavengers removing cholesterol from the body. Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) or `bad` cholesterol carries cholesterol throughout the body. Too much LDL in the blood causes cholesterol to build along arterial walls forming plaque that can block arteries. When you have your cholesterol checked at the doctors office, they are looking at these (HDL and LDL) levels as well as your triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in food and our bodies produce it naturally. People with high triglycerides tend to have high cholesterol levels. WA: Do you think dietary supplements that contain plant sterols and stanols can help lower cholesterol? Dr. Weiss: Yes. We have patients who have concerns about taking prescription medications to lower cholesterol because of side effects, and some pa
