LDL is “bad” cholesterol associated with heart disease. Testing for cholesterol is important and LDL levels are the best indicator of risk. A cholesterol-lowering diet should avoid saturated and trans fats and include fruits, vegetables, and soluble fiber. Medications may be prescribed if diet alone is not effective.
By medical definition, LDL is low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, commonly known as the “bad” cholesterol. High LDL levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and therefore become the focus of attention for many doctors and their patients. Testing for cholesterol is often the first step in determining whether an individual is at risk of developing heart disease, and LDL levels are often the main focus of cholesterol-lowering diets.
Often, as part of a routine physical exam, a lipid profile, which includes LDL testing, may be ordered. This is a blood test that measures the amount of low-density lipoprotein in the blood serum. Although the test is a simple blood test, sometimes a 12-hour fast is required and certain medications may need to be stopped for a short time before the test. A physician will determine the preparation needed for the individual patient.
Because doctors have determined that LDL levels, rather than total cholesterol levels, are the best indicators of risk for heart disease and stroke, it’s important to test this level. Elevated levels increase these risks, and diet alone can often reduce them. Most cholesterol-lowering diets are easy to follow and require avoiding certain foods.
Foods high in saturated fat and trans fatty acids should be avoided in a diet to lower LDL levels. Saturated fat is found in non-skim milk and dairy products like cheese and cream, and is also found in meat and poultry. Meat should be eaten in smaller portions and baked, not fried. Substituting fish for meat and eating meatless meals twice a week can help lower LDL cholesterol. A cholesterol-lowering diet should also include fruit; vegetables; and soluble fiber, found in oats, barley, and other grains, as well as nuts and legumes.
When diet alone does not effectively achieve a patient’s target cholesterol levels, cholesterol-lowering medications are prescribed. There are many different medications available that produce different results, so talk to your doctor about managing your cholesterol levels, especially if you’re already at risk from diabetes, smoking, or high blood pressure.
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