LDL is a type of protein that carries cholesterol through the blood. High levels of LDL can lead to health problems such as heart attacks and stroke. Testing for LDL cholesterol is straightforward, and reducing levels can be achieved through diet, exercise, and medication. The American Heart Association recommends maintaining an LDL no higher than 70 for those with heart disease.
LDL refers to low-density lipoprotein, a type of molecular protein made in the liver that carries cholesterol through the blood. Although low-density lipoprotein is often called the “bad” cholesterol, it does have some positive characteristics. Transports amino acids and antioxidants to other cells. However, too much LDL can lead to a number of significant health problems, so the positives of this protein are far outweighed by its negative impacts.
In general, when you hear the term cholesterol, it is referring to low-density lipoproteins. This is because LDL cholesterol provides a constant flow of cholesterol to the arteries. When advertisements claim that a product can lower cholesterol, they are referring to the risks of high LDL levels.
Those with high levels of LDL cholesterol are at great risk for hardening of the arteries or blockage of the arteries, which can widen the heart or cut off blood supply to the heart completely. This, in turn, can lead to heart attacks or require surgery to remove blockages. Other major arteries in the body can also become blocked, a condition known as peripheral artery disease, and require cleaning by catheterization to restore normal blood flow to and from the heart.
High cholesterol also increases the risk of sudden stroke. Clogged arteries can lead to excessive blood clotting. These clots can then travel to the brain or lungs, causing thrombosis. The presence of low-density lipoproteins can also decrease the level of high-density lipoproteins, known as the “good” cholesterol.
Given the very dangerous medical conditions associated with high levels of LDL, it makes sense to keep one’s levels of this protein at a very low rate. Testing for LDL cholesterol is fairly straightforward, usually requiring a simple blood test to measure all cholesterol levels in the body. A doctor might ask you to fast for 12 hours before the test, but usually the test itself only takes a few minutes.
The American Heart Association (AHA) has adopted the following standards for evaluating safe and unsafe levels of LDL. Less than 100 milligrams per deciliter is considered optimal. 100-129 is considered near optimal, while 130-159 is borderline. 160-189 is high and anything over 190 is very high. Additional guidelines from the AHA suggest that anyone with heart disease should try to maintain an LDL no higher than 70.
Reducing LDL cholesterol levels can be simple for some. Eating a diet with less saturated fat and more fiber, plus exercise, can sometimes be enough to lower your cholesterol to accepted levels. Others, however, may need to combine diet and exercise with cholesterol-lowering medications. A common misconception is the belief that cholesterol can only be lowered with medication. In general, this isn’t true, and in any case, those with high cholesterol are at increased risk for heart disease, so following a sensible diet and exercise regimen still makes sense.
Another common mistake people make is assuming that body size indicates cholesterol level. While it’s true that overweight people tend to have higher levels of LDL cholesterol, it doesn’t follow that thin people can’t have high levels. In some cases, high levels of bad cholesterol are genetically predetermined. A family history of high cholesterol is a reason for increased vigilance in anyone.
Although high cholesterol levels occur more frequently in men, women still need to have their levels checked. While pre-menopausal women tend to have lower levels because estrogen blocks some of the production of cholesterol, post-menopausal women lack this protection. As a woman approaches menopause, the AHA recommends checking her cholesterol levels. The AHA does not endorse the use of HRT to lower cholesterol, as estrogen use has recently been shown to increase the risk of strokes and some cancers.
A high LDL level is a cause for concern, but fortunately it can often be medically addressed. Working closely with a doctor to create a better diet and exercise program, and to determine if cholesterol-lowering medications should be applied, is a great way to prevent health conditions associated with bad cholesterol.
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