For decades, we’ve been hearing that there’s a “good” and “bad” cholesterol, but what exactly is the difference between the two? Well, for starters, the medical term for “good” cholesterol is actually high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) is the medical term for “bad” cholesterol. Knowing the difference can help add years to your life.
HDL
- Consists of mostly protein
- Empties out LDL cholesterol by transporting it to the liver, where it is then reprocessed
- Prevents clogged arteries that are caused by LDL cholesterol
- Reduces your chances for a heart attack and heart disease
Boost your HDL by walking at least 30 minutes daily, eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and trout, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol or drinking in moderation and eating less sugar.
LDL
- Consists of mostly fat
- Deposits in the walls of arteries
- Damages the lining of your arteries
- Increases your chances of a heart attack and stroke
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What factors affect your cholesterol?
According to the American Heart Association, Black men and women tend to have slightly lower total cholesterol levels than whites. The association reports that 44.8 percent of Black men and 42.1 percent of Black women have high or borderline high total cholesterol levels. Meanwhile, 47.9 percent and 49.7 percent of white men and women have high or borderline high levels.
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Your genetics play a major role in how your food is metabolized and how much cholesterol your body produces. However, cholesterol isn't solely found in food. Your liver creates about 75% of your blood cholesterol. Your genetic makeup can have a direct effect on how much cholesterol is created and what your ratio of LDL to HDL is.
Medical conditions that can cause unhealthy cholesterol levels:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- Hypothyroidism
- Lupus
Medications for certain conditions that can raise your cholesterol levels:
- Acne
- Cancer
- High blood pressure
- HIV/AIDS
- Irregular heart rhythms
- Organ transplants
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Lowering your cholesterol
High cholesterol can put you at high risk for cardiovascular disease, so it is important to take the appropriate steps to keep your cholesterol under control. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers the following tips for lowering cholesterol and cardiovascular risk:
- Quit smoking
- Reach and maintain a healthy weight
- Focus on eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily
- Eat a low-salt diet
- Choose poultry, fish, and plant-based foods instead of red meats
- Start making 30 minutes of exercise a daily routine
- Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all
- Manage stress
When to see a doctor
Because high cholesterol has no symptoms, it's important to communicate with your doctor. A blood test is the only way to detect if you have it.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), a person's first cholesterol screening should occur between the ages of nine and 11, and then be repeated every five years after that.
Most healthy adults over 21 should have their cholesterol checked every four to six years. For men ages 45 to 65 and for women ages 55 to 65 the recommendation is every one to two years. People over 65 should receive cholesterol tests annually, according to NHLBI recommendations.
If your test results aren't within desirable ranges, your doctor may suggest that you receive more-frequent measurements.
Your doctor might also suggest more-frequent tests if you have a family history of high cholesterol, heart disease or other risk factors, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Your doctor may also advise you to make lifestyle changes. This can include possible changes to your medication to help lower cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular risk.
