What is HDL Cholesterol?

There's been a lot of talk in the neighborhood lately about cholesterol and heart disease, but mention of LDL and HDL cholesterol levels more often than not bring a frown of confusion to most faces. What do those initials stand for and why is one good and one bad?

We'll keep it simple. LDL, or a low-density lipoprotein, is bad for you. HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is good for you, which is why it's called the 'happy' or 'good' cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is good for you because it protects your arteries from atherosclerosis, more commonly known as blocked or narrowed arteries. Since the arteries carry oxygen enriched blood to every cell in your body, you can see why it's important to keep those highways clear of debris such as plaque, so that blood flows efficiently to where it's needed. HDL cholesterol functions this way because it works sort of like a garbage truck that's able to remove 'bad' cholesterol from artery walls and transport them to the body's dumpsite, or liver, to be disposed of. While not a very attractive analogy, it serves its purpose to briefly and basically define what HDL cholesterol does.

HDL cholesterol levels are very important when considering the risk of vessel and heart damage in both men and women. Lower levels of HDL cholesterol levels and high levels of LDL cholesterol means that the garbage truck is unable to keep up with the deposits and debris left behind on artery walls by high fat food and salt intake. Sometimes, high cholesterol runs in families, and if diet alone doesn't remedy the problem, a doctor will often prescribe a medication that will help your interior garbage truck rid the body of low-density lipoproteins. Changing diet and lifestyle habits, however, are one of the best, proactive methods a person can take to get cholesterol levels within control. People in good shape, who exercise regularly and don't smoke, normally have higher HDL cholesterol readings. These people are ensured that their HLD cholesterols are working for them. For women, estrogen is also a factor, as estrogen increases HDL cholesterol in our bodies.

If you've been diagnosed with high cholesterol, take it upon yourself to lower your chances of heart attack by taking control of your health. Exercise regularly. Get rid of some of that excess weight you've been carrying and try to quit smoking. Limit yourself to one alcoholic drink a day, and that means beer, wine or liquor. If, after a reasonable about of time, your cholesterol is still high, a doctor will likely prescribe medication. Watch the fast food combos and exercise every day. Take a moment before you order and realize what you're putting into your body. Many diseases are unpreventable, but high cholesterol isn't one of those. We can prevent this condition, and the damage caused by it. The next time you visit your doctor, ask him to test your cholesterol level and make sure you know what your HDL cholesterol reading says about your and your health.

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A Low Cholesterol Diet

What is HDL Cholesterol?

What is Your Cholesterol Level?

Things to Know about High Cholesterol

What is a Normal Cholesterol Level?

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