whys

LDL refers to low-density lipoproteins, a type of molecular protein produced in the liver that carries cholesterol through the blood. Though low-density lipoprotein is frequently called “bad” cholesterol, it does have some positive features. It carries amino acids and antioxidants to other cells. However, too much LDL can lead to a number of significant health problems, so the positive aspects of this protein are far outweighed by its negative impacts.

In general, when one hears the term cholesterol, it refers to low-density lipoproteins. This is because LDL provides a steady stream of cholesterol to the arteries. When advertisements claim a product can reduce your cholesterol, they are referring to the risks of high LDL levels.

Those with high levels of LDL are at great risk for hardening of the arteries or artery blockage, which can enlarge the heart or completely cut off blood supply to the heart. This, in turn, can lead to heart attacks, or necessitate surgery to remove blockages. Other main arteries in the body can also become blocked, a condition known as peripheral artery disease, and require clearing via catheterization to restore normal blood flow to and from the heart.

High cholesterol also increases the risk of sudden stroke. Clogged arteries can lead to excess clotting of the blood. These clots can then pass to the brain or lungs, causing thrombosis. The presence of low-density lipoproteins can also decrease the level of high-density lipoproteins, known as the “good” cholesterol.

Given the very dangerous medical conditions associated with high levels of LDL, it makes sense to keep one’s levels of this protein at a very low rate. Testing for LDL is quite simple, usually requiring a simple blood test to measure all cholesterol levels in the body. A physician may require that you fast for 12 hours prior to testing, but usually the test itself only takes a few minutes.

The American Heart Association (AHA) has adopted the following standards for evaluating safe and unsafe levels of LDL. Less than 100 milligrams per deciliter is considered optimal. 100-129 is considered near optimal, while 130-159 is borderline high. 160-189 is high, and anything over 190 is very high. Further AHA guidelines suggest anyone with heart disease should try to maintain an LDL of no more than 70.

Reducing LDL levels can be simple for some. Following a diet with lower saturated fat and higher fiber, plus exercising, can sometimes be enough to lower cholesterol to accepted levels. Others, however, may need to combine diet and exercise with cholesterol-reducing drugs. A common mistake is the belief that cholesterol can be lowered by medication alone. In general, this is not true, and in any case, those with high cholesterol are at greater risk for heart disease, so adhering to a sensible diet and exercise regimen make sense in any case.

Another common mistake people make is assuming that body size indicates cholesterol level. While it is true that overweight people tend to have higher levels of LDL, it does not follow that thin people cannot have high levels. In some cases, high levels of bad cholesterol are genetically predetermined. Family history of high cholesterol is reason for greater vigilance in anyone.

Though high cholesterol levels occur more frequently in men, women still need to have their levels checked. While pre-menopausal women tend to have lower levels because estrogen blocks some cholesterol production, post-menopausal women do not have this safeguard. As a woman approaches menopause, the AHA recommends checking cholesterol levels. The AHA does not advocate using hormone replacement therapy for lowering cholesterol, as use of estrogen has recently been shown to increase the risk of stroke and certain cancers.

A high LDL level is a matter of concern, but fortunately it can often be medically addressed. Working closely with a physician to create a better diet and a good exercise program, and to determine whether cholesterol-reducing drugs should be applied, is an excellent way to prevent the health conditions associated with bad cholesterol.

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Did you know that heart disease and stroke are among the leading causes of death in America? Since high cholesterol increases your risk of developing these conditions, many healthcare professionals are concerned that over half of all American adults now have cholesterol levels over 200 mg/DL. While heredity does influence cholesterol levels to some extent, there are still many steps you can take to lower your cholesterol.

Your diet can have a great impact in efforts to lower cholesterol. For example, oatmeal and oat bran contain high amounts of the soluble fiber shown to lower levels of the “bad” LDL cholesterol. Walnuts are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can lower cholesterol while keeping blood vessels healthy and elastic. Foods seasoned with garlic may encourage the formation of “good” HDL cholesterol. However, eating foods that are said to have the ability to lower cholesterol isn’t effective unless you reduce your consumption of saturated and trans fats. This can be accomplished by avoiding fried foods, grilling instead of pan frying your favorite dishes, and making your favorite recipes with egg substitutes instead of egg yolks.

If you are overweight, your doctor may recommend a weight loss plan to help lower cholesterol. When combined with a low calorie diet, regular exercise can help you drop excess pounds while lowering your cholesterol and boosting your energy levels. If you dislike team sports and you’re too embarrassed to join a gym, try going for regular walks or playing with your kids in the park. Increasing your level of physical activity throughout day by taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking farther away from your destination can also be beneficial.

When lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough to lower your cholesterol, your physician may recommend that you begin taking a prescription drug classified as a statin. These drugs are a lifelong commitment, which is why they are used as a last resort to lower cholesterol levels. Common types of statins include atorvastatin (Lipitor), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor), simvastatin (Zocor), and lovastatin (Mevacor). Statins are generally well tolerated, although the drugs can cause liver damage and muscle problems in rare cases.

If you want to monitor your cholesterol levels on a regular basis, you may be tempted to purchase a home cholesterol testing kit. Although these kits are fairly accurate, they only measure total cholesterol and fail to give measurements of HDL, LDL, and triglyceride levels. Therefore, regular visits with your physician are the best way to take control of your condition.

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There are three ways to evaluate cholesterol score, which are often used in concert with each other. Measurements typically taken to determine cholesterol score include total cholesterol, and individual cholesterol measurements for high-density lipoproteins or HDL and low-density lipoproteins or LDL. When these measurements are read together, the doctor has the best way of determining your cholesterol score and cholesterol health. Testing may also include an evaluation of triglyceride level.

When evaluating total cholesterol level, the desired cholesterol score should be less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). A score between 200-239 mg/dL is considered borderline high and a score of 240 mg/dL or above is high. Many physicians suggest patients try to aim for a cholesterol level of about 150-180 mg/dL, by modifying diet and pursuing exercise. When this can be accomplished, the total cholesterol score is considered safe and nowhere near borderline high.

LDL measurements tend to measure the “bad” cholesterol that is most likely to lead to disease. So in this case you are looking for a low number. A good cholesterol score of LDL is between 100-129 mg/dL. A score under 100 mg/dL is considered optimal. An LDL cholesterol score of 130-159 mg/dL is borderline high, 160-189 mg/dL is high and 190 mg/dL is very high. With the LDL measurement and the total cholesterol measurement, you want to see these numbers lower, instead of high.

In contrast, HDL cholesterol score is better when the number is higher. This is the “good cholesterol” our body needs — it keeps total cholesterol and LDL numbers down. A good cholesterol score for HDL is 60 mg/dL or better. 40 mg/dL or lower is considered a risk factor for developing heart disease.

Doctors may measure triglyceride levels when blood cholesterol score is computed. Generally a good score for triglycerides is less than 150 mg/dL. Physicians also look at the whole health picture when measuring cholesterol. For example, a person with a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease is more at risk from levels approaching borderline. People with poor diet, extra weight, and who don’t pursue an active lifestyle also run greater risk of heart disease from a high cholesterol score.

In most cases when a cholesterol score is borderline, a doctor will help the patient by suggesting a modified diet and an exercise plan. Patients are also advised to quit smoking as this can lower HDL and raise LDL. If cholesterol score is high, doctors may need to begin medications to lower the score, while also recommending specific diet and exercise plans to address the condition.

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Fish oil has long been thought to be good for the heart. In many cases it absolutely is excellent at preventing heart attacks because it helps to reduce bad cholesterol, which may lead to plaque in the arteries and a malfunctioning heart. However, evidence gathered in 2005 suggest that at least some people with pre-existing heart problems should not take fish oil, and that it in fact may do more harm than good.

A 2005 study examined patients with previous arrhythmias to evaluate the benefits of a regular regimen of fish oil supplementation. In this study the desired finding was that fish oil would reduce incidence of arrhythmias, and thus would be a great complementary tool to traditional heart medicines and treatment.

In many cases, abnormal heart beat incidences did decrease. However one group, those with ventricular tachycardia, actually had more incidences of arrhythmias than the group taking the placebo. While scientists are not quite certain why this occurs, they are clear that fish oil may pose more risk than benefit to those who have previously suffered a heart attack or who have had ventricular tachycardia diagnosed in the past.

Further studies with a patient population consisting entirely of patients with ventricular tachycardia confirm these results, and now doctors are backtracking on the issue of recommending fish oil to patients with heart problems, particularly when these problems are of tachycardic origin.

Those who have ventricular tachycardia can have very high quick rhythms of the heart, which can cause heart attacks. In some cases, ventricular tachycardia may require placement of a defibrillator to control abnormal rhythms. Even when a person has a defibrillator placed, he or she should probably avoid fish oil.

It is unclear whether fish oil might predispose one who might ultimately develop arrhythmias to get them sooner. Scientists think those with ventricular tachycardia may process oils in a way differently than other people, though this mechanism is not clearly understood.

In most cases a daily dose of fish oil can be a heart healthy choice. However those with arrhythmias or a family history of arrhythmias should definitely discuss their risks with a doctor prior to taking fish oil.

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When people think of excess lipids, they are usually thinking of blood measurements for lipids that measure cholesterol and triglycerides. Depending upon the amount of these lipids in the blood, risks to health can occur.

A lipids profile test breaks down lipids into three categories, high-density lipids, low-density lipids, and triglycerides. When one examines the health of a person based on these measurements, one looks for excess lipids that are low density.

Low-density lipids (LDLs) in greater number are sometimes referred to by doctors as high cholesterol. Excess lipids of this type increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. At particular risk are the arteries, where LDLs can accumulate and block arteries. Thus excess lipids that are LDLs can pose significant threat to health.

Conversely, high-density lipids (HDLs) are called good cholesterol. Having excess lipids that are HDLs does not pose a health risk, since they actually prevent some of the diseases caused by LDLs. HDLs keep LDLs in check. Thus low amounts of high-density lipids in association with excess lipids that are LDLs further increase the risk for heart disease.

Excess lipids that are triglycerides also pose a greater risk for developing heart disease. A person with excess lipids that are LDLs and triglycerides really increases risk for developing diseases affecting the cardiovascular system, particularly when low levels of HDLs accompany these measurements.

Excess lipids may be treated in a variety of ways. Those who have high levels of bad cholesterol are encouraged to change their diets to produce more HDLs and lower LDLs and triglycerides. When diet alone is not enough to effect change, doctors may also consider medication, which can help reduce excess lipids.

Patients with excess lipids are monitored for further risks to heart and artery disease, and will probably take more frequent blood tests to be certain that cholesterol is reducing. Those with high cholesterol will probably need to continue on a reduced fat diet, and as well, may need to remain on medication for life.

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