Why is LDL cholesterol “bad”?
Low-density lipoprotein is the main cholesterol carrier in the blood. If there is too much LDL cholesterol, it can slowly build up in the walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain, and contribute to plaque. Plaque blocks the arteries, reducing the flow of oxygen-rich blood that feeds the heart muscle. An ideal LDL is less than 100. Q: Why is HDL cholesterol “good”? A: One-third to one-fourth of the cholesterol in the blood is carried by high-density lipoprotein or HDL. Today, experts think HDL carries cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, so it can pass out of the body. Some experts believe HDL even removes excess cholesterol from plaque deposits that have already formed, slowing their growth. A high level of HDL seems to protect against heart attack. The opposite is also true: a low level of good cholesterol (less than 40 mg/dl in men and less than 50 mg/dl in women) indicates a greater risk. Q: What should my total cholesterol be? A: A total cholesterol
