Why is LDL called the “bad” cholesterol?
LDL is called the “bad” cholesterol because it can cause a buildup of fat and cholesterol in the walls of your blood vessels. If your LDL has been high for many years, this buildup can clog the arteries to your heart or brain. The arteries may be partly or totally blocked. The medical word for this blockage is “atherosclerosis.” Clogged arteries to the heart can cause a heart attack. Clogged arteries to the brain can cause a stroke. What are normal cholesterol levels? A normal total cholesterol level is less than 200. A normal LDL level is less than 130. A normal HDL level is higher than 35. A high HDL level is better. An HDL level higher than 60 is the best. HDL is called the “good” cholesterol because it helps remove cholesterol from your body. In this way, HDL helps prevent heart disease and stroke. Regular exercise is a good way to increase your HDL level. If your total cholesterol level is 200 to 239, you have a borderline level. The word “borderline” is used because levels of 200
