LDL, or “bad cholesterol,” is naturally present in the body and can cause health problems if it builds up in artery walls. HDL, or “good cholesterol,” reduces the risk of heart attacks by carrying excess cholesterol to the liver. Diet, genetics, and exercise levels can all contribute to cholesterol levels.
The so-called “bad cholesterol” is a lipid naturally present in the body which performs a series of important functions. It is officially known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and together with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides, it combines to create cholesterol in the blood. Blood cholesterol levels can be determined with a blood test, where the total value is determined to provide insight into a patient’s overall health. A high cholesterol level is generally perceived as a bad thing, because LDL can cause serious health problems.
The body produces cholesterol in the liver, through the conversion of saturated fats and trans fatty acids. It is also possible to raise cholesterol levels by eating a large amount of dietary cholesterol, cholesterol found in animal products. The body needs these lipids to perform various functions including the creation of new cells, making it an important part of the complex system that keeps the human body in good condition.
LDL is known as bad cholesterol because it can tend to build up in artery walls, creating thick plaque by binding with other substances floating around in the blood. Over time, plaque can harden and cause the artery to narrow, leading to a condition known as atherosclerosis. Narrowed arteries are less able to carry blood, and atherosclerosis can lead to heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems.
Conversely, HDL or good cholesterol appears to reduce the risk of heart attacks because it carries excess cholesterol to the liver so the liver can break it down and get rid of it. This is why people are encouraged to eat unsaturated fats and other foods that elevate good cholesterol levels, taking care to avoid or reduce their intake of foods that raise bad cholesterol.
Many things appear to contribute to bad cholesterol levels in the blood. Diet is the most important factor, as the body’s production levels are limited by the amount of raw materials it can access. The role dietary cholesterol plays appears to be a bit unclear, with some studies suggesting that foods high in cholesterol will elevate bad cholesterol levels, while others contradict this claim. Genetics can also be involved, as can exercise levels. The body will convert the fat consumed into energy when required, while those who live a sedentary lifestyle will not burn these fats for energy, allowing them to reach the liver for conversion into LDL cholesterol.
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