What do ldls and hdls do

The lipids need to be attached to the proteins so they can move through the blood. This extra LDL, along with other substances, forms plaque. The plaque builds up in your arteries; this is a condition called atherosclerosis. Coronary artery disease happens when the plaque buildup is in the arteries of your heart. It causes the arteries to become hardened and narrowed, which slows down or blocks the blood flow to your heart.

Since your blood carries oxygen to your heart, this means that your heart may not be able to get enough oxygen. This can cause angina chest pain , or if the blood flow is completely blocked, a heart attack. A blood test can measure your cholesterol levels, including LDL.

When and how often you should get this test depends on your age, risk factors, and family history. The general recommendations are:. With LDL cholesterol, lower numbers are better, because a high LDL level can raise your risk for coronary artery disease and related problems:. Some people with familial hypercholesterolemia FH may receive a treatment called lipoprotein apheresis.

This treatment uses a filtering machine to remove LDL cholesterol from the blood. Then the machine returns the rest of the blood back to the person. Preparing for the holidays? Lipoproteins are made of fat and protein, and serve as vehicles for your cholesterol to travel through the blood. The difference is important to understand. HDL clears from the body via the liver. HDL may therefore prevent the buildup of plaque, protect your arteries, and protect you from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

The higher your HDL cholesterol numbers, the lower your risk is for heart disease, vascular disease, and stroke. Lastly, although primarily used to decrease high LDL, some statin medications may potentially increase HDL levels moderately. Any medical treatment option should be discussed with your doctor.

It carries cholesterol to your arteries, where it may collect in the vessel walls and contribute to plaque formation, known as atherosclerosis. This can lead to decreased blood flow to the heart muscle coronary artery disease , leg muscles peripheral artery disease , or abrupt closure of an artery in the heart or brain, leading to a heart attack or stroke.

For LDL, the lower the number the better. Obesity, a large waist circumference, a sedentary lifestyle, or a diet rich in red meat, full-fat dairy, saturated fat, trans fats, and processed foods can lead to high LDL cholesterol.

Lifestyle and diet changes are the main ways to prevent or lower high LDL. A trial of eating a low-fat diet, regular aerobic activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and smaller waist circumference is an appropriate first step. It is best to set a timeline to achieve your goals with your doctor. In some cases, if those lifestyle changes are not enough, your physician may suggest a cholesterol lowering medication, such as a statin. If you are considering over-the-counter herbal or ayurvedic medications for cholesterol, please discuss those with your physician first as well.

Rarely, very high LDL is genetic and passed down in families. This condition can lead to very high LDL levels, and heart attack or stroke at a young age in multiple generations. Those individuals may require special medical treatment for prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Remember, knowledge is the first step. That will give you and your physician a starting point for lifestyle changes and medications if needed.

Small changes like managing stress and maintaining a healthy weight have been shown to lower LDL levels and raise HDL levels. As you get older, it becomes more and more important to talk to a healthcare provider about your cholesterol levels, especially if you are feeling symptoms of heart disease. Not only does knowing your cholesterol levels inform you and your healthcare providers about your risk of developing heart and blood vessel disease, but it also makes it easier to create and tailor an individualized plan aimed at managing your cholesterol levels.

Looking to start a diet to better manage your cholesterol? Changing lifelong eating habits can be scary at first, but our guide will make it easier.

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Can J Cardiol. Your Privacy Rights. Cholesterol Tools and Resources. Cholesterol Podcasts. Cholesterol: The good and the bad Two types of lipoproteins carry cholesterol to and from cells.

Triglycerides Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body. Last Reviewed: Nov 6, Calculator What's your risk for a heart or stroke event?