Cholesterol

CHOLESTEROL

Not all cholesteral is bad!! This is the hype that some people tend to believe. Associating cholesterol as something that has only negative effects on your heart and physical well-being is a misconception. There are two types of cholesterol - both being reciprocals of the other. The key is knowing which type of cholesterol you want to have and which type you do not want to have.

1. Low-Density Lipoprotein or LDL-cholesterol: (a.k.a. bad cholesterol) is the cholesterol which tends to deposit itself in vessel walls (the linings of your arteries). LDL-cholesterol forms atherosclerotic plaques, which may hemorrhage or block blood flow in vessels. LDL-cholesterol values less than 130 are considered desirable. When LDL increases to 160 there is a greater risk for cardiac disease.
2. High-Density Lipoprotein or HDL-cholesterol: (a.k.a good cholesterol) can actually remove fatty plaque from vessel walls and carries it to the liver for processing. HDL-cholesterol of 35 or less is a risk factor for heart disease. If one's HDL values reach 65 or more, they are more protected against heart disease.

Total cholesterol includes bad cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol) and good cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol). There is a difference between the average total cholesterol in America and ideal cholesterol levels. A total cholesterol level of 200 mg per dL or greater is cause for concern.