Cholesterol Management Overview: LDL, HDL, keep cholesterol low

Cholesterol Management - What it is

Cholesterol Management

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is either produced by the body or derived from food. It is necessary for the body to function normally and is used to build cell membranes, however, only a small amount of cholesterol in the blood is required to meet the body’s needs.

Cholesterol is carried through one’s bloodstream by special proteins called lipoproteins, which can be divided into two categories. The two types of lipoproteins are:

1) Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): LDL, or ‘bad’ cholesterol, will increase the build-up of fats in the arteries, and may cause the arteries to be clogged.

2) High-density lipoprotein (HDL): HDL, or ‘good’ cholesterol, removes cholesterol from the cells before they are deposited as plaque in the arteries, thus preventing the build-up of fats in the arteries.

The goal of good cholesterol management is to keep your total cholesterol level as low as possible, because any excess cholesterol in the blood may be deposited in the arteries, including the heart’s coronary arteries. This build-up causes the arteries to harden and narrow (atherosclerosis), thus reducing blood flow to the heart. If insufficient blood and oxygen are delivered to the heart, one may experience chest pain. If the blood supply to a portion of the heart is completely cut off by a blockage, a heart attack may occur.