Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) CholesterolMost people are not aware of the serious risk of having high cholesterol. Many first suffer from a stroke or heart attack before realizing how critical their condition was. It is important to be careful in what you eat, and prevent the increase of LDL cholesterol in the body. There are two types of cholesterol in the body. LDL, or low-density lipoprotein is the main carrier of cholesterol in the blood stream. Too much LDL circulating in the body can eventually cause hardening or clogging in the arteries. Especially critical are the arteries that feed the heart and brain. If LDL combines with other substances, it can form plaque. At this stage, the risk of heart disease, coronary artery disease, and stroke are very high. A healthy LDL level is 130 mg/dl or less in the blood. It is very important not to exceed 160 mg/dl which can put you at high risk for serious heart conditions. Regular exercise, and a diet low in cholesterol is critical for those with a LDL cholesterol concentration higher than 160 mg/dl. Having a higher HDL, or high-density lipoprotein level is also desirable. This is considered the 'good' cholesterol as it prevents the build up of LDL which will normally clog the arteries in time. Maintaining healthy levels of LDL and HDL can help reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. If you discover that your LDL levels are high, and your LDL/HDL levels are imbalanced, you should consult you physician immediately. |