Cholesterol is a natural substance the body creates that is found in many types of food. While cholesterol is important for many bodily functions, elevated cholesterol levels can be harmful and increase the risk of many medical conditions. Learn the difference between LDL vs. HDL cholesterol and how to lower unhealthy cholesterol below. Show What Is LDL Cholesterol?Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the blood, created by the liver and the foods you eat. Two lipoproteins carry your cholesterol, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is commonly referred to as bad cholesterol. LDL comprises the larger portion of your overall cholesterol count. LDL is referred to as bad or unhealthy cholesterol because it contributes to atherosclerosis, which are fatty buildups in arteries. Atherosclerosis can increase the risk of heart attack, peripheral artery disease (PAD) and stroke because it narrows the arteries. Approximately 54.5% of adults in the United States who could benefit from cholesterol medication are taking this medicine. Around 94 million adults in the United States 20 or older have elevated total cholesterol levels exceeding 200mg/dL. Cholesterol won’t dissolve in your blood. Instead, proteins known as lipoproteins carry the cholesterol where it needs to go within the body. Elevated LDL cholesterol levels can increase the risk of many medical conditions, including heart disease and coronary artery disease. Healthy cholesterol levels help the body manufacture hormones, support cell membranes, convert vitamin D in the skin and aid in digestion. Elevated LDL cholesterol levels cause cholesterol buildup in the arteries, commonly known as plaque. Over time, plaque builds up, narrowing the vessels further. Narrow vessels mean reduced blood flow to your body’s organs and heart. Reduced blood flow can cause chest pain (angina) and increase the risk of heart attacks. Research shows higher levels of LDL are directly associated with an elevated risk for heart disease. Each year, approximately 805,000 people in the United States experience a heart attack, with 605,000 occurrences being the first heart attack. LDL levels often rise if you eat a diet high in salt, saturated fats and cholesterol, usually found in dairy, processed foods and fatty meats. Lack of exercise, weight, tobacco and alcohol use, genetics, medications and existing health conditions may also raise the risk of high LDL levels. What Is HDL Cholesterol?HDL cholesterol is the other type of cholesterol, commonly known as good cholesterol, because it may reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. HDL helps carry the bad cholesterol away from the arteries to the liver. In the liver, LDL is broken down and removed from the body. It is important to note that HDL doesn’t entirely remove LDL cholesterol. Approximately 26.6% of men and 8.5% of women have low HDL levels. Low HDL levels mean your body may not be able to transfer and remove LDL as effectively. What Is a Healthy Level of Cholesterol?Cholesterol levels vary by sex, weight, age and other factors. In general, the body will produce more cholesterol over time. Physicians often recommend that adults 20 years of age and older routinely have their cholesterol levels checked. Generally, medical providers classify a person’s cholesterol levels as healthy, borderline, low or high. Cholesterol levels are also divided into total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. A blood test may also measure triglyceride and non-HDL cholesterol levels. Ideally, recommended cholesterol levels are:
What You Can Do to Lower LDL CholesterolThe difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol is that LDL cholesterol is unhealthy and can greatly increase the risk of many medical conditions. Fortunately, you can make several lifestyle changes to lower your LDL levels and lead a healthy lifestyle. Some of the most effective ways to reduce LDL include:
Book an Appointment TodayModern Heart and Vascular Institute in Texas is a leading provider of cardiovascular treatments and is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to assess cardiac health and diagnose heart conditions. Diagnosing a cardiac condition in its earliest states means our physicians are more likely to find an effective treatment before any long-term complications occur. Contact the Modern Heart and Vascular team online to book an appointment and learn more about cholesterol levels and treatments. If you’d like to learn more about our practice, read our providers’ bios. This article does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you need cardiovascular care, please call us at 832-644-8930. Is it better to have high LDL or HDL?For HDL cholesterol, or "good" cholesterol, higher levels are better. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is known as the "good" cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
What is a good level of LDL?These are the adult ranges for LDL cholesterol: Optimal: Less than 100 mg/dL (This is the goal for people with diabetes or heart disease.) Near optimal: 100 to 129 mg/dL. Borderline high: 130 to 159 mg/dL.
What is the normal range for HDL and LDL?Your HDL (“good” cholesterol) is the one number you want to be high (ideally above 60). Your LDL (“bad” cholesterol) should be below 100. Your total should be below 200. Talk with your provider about what your results mean for you and how to manage your cholesterol.
What is a good HDL number?HDL cholesterol levels greater than 60 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) are high. That's good. HDL cholesterol levels less than 40 mg/dL are low.
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