Cholesterol, HDL, and LDL

Alec Powell


HDL stands for High-Density lipoprotein and LDL stands for Low-Density lipoprotein. They are both lipoproteins that travel through our blood stream, transporting cholesterol.

They are both made of a Lipoprotein rim and a cholesterol center. They differ because LDL is made to transport cholesterol to cells, and HDL is made to remove LDL from unwanted places.

Doctors monitor LDL/HDL levels in blood because you need a good balance of LDL and HDL.

HDL and LDL concentration correlates with heart attack risk because of the constant balance that should be kept. When there is more LDL than HDL it can cause heart problems, because of LDL levels overwhelming HDL levels.

Cholesterol levels can often vary from person to person although, good or optimal levels for LDL would be below 90 and and above 60 for HDL. Total cholesterol should be around 190.

Triglycerides are also measured along with your total cholesterol levels, so you are not only finding out your HDL and LDL levels when you go for an examination.  

There are different ways to keep your cholesterol under control. Just always make sure you maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and keep a healthy diet.


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