answersLogoWhite

0

It seems one of the hottest topics among health-related publications is cholesterol, and the importance of keeping your cholesterol levels in check. But what is cholesterol, and what role does it play in your body? Cholesterol is a naturally occurring substance found in every cell of your body. While the human body requires cholesterol to build and maintain strong cells, excessive cholesterol levels can lead to a condition known as atherosclerosis. This condition is characterized by cholesterol accumulation along artery walls, which eventually narrows arteries and blocks blood flow. To prevent health ailments such as Heart disease or coronary artery disease, it is important to maintain ideal cholesterol levels.

The Different Types of Cholesterol

Your body contains two different types of cholesterol, which include: HDL, or "good," cholesterol and LDL, or "bad," cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is responsible for delivering cholesterol to tissues and organs; however, when there are excess LDL cholesterol levels in your bloodstream, it begins to attach itself to artery walls. Over time, these hard deposits narrow arteries and make artery walls less flexible, which may lead to heart attack or stroke.

HDL cholesterol is responsible for flowing throughout the bloodstream and attaching itself to excessive LDL cholesterol and transporting it to the liver where it is broken down and removed. According to the American Heart Association, high HDL cholesterol levels helps protect arteries from plaque accumulation as well as reducing the risk of having a heart attack.

Ideal Cholesterol Levels for Men and Women

The ideal HDL cholesterol levels for men is 60 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) or higher. This level is regarded by scientists as being optimal for preventing heart disease. Having an HDL cholesterol level less than 40 mg/dL increases your risk of developing heart disease.

Women should also strive for an HDL cholesterol level of 60 mg/dL or above; however, having an HDL cholesterol level of 50 mg/dL and below places her at an increased risk of developing heart disease.

According to the American Heart Association, men and women should have an LDL cholesterol level of 100 mg/dL or less. Having an LDL cholesterol level higher than 130 mg/dL substantially increases the risk of developing adverse cardiovascular health problems in both men and women.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What are hdl cholesterol levels and how are they measured?

The HDL cholesterol is known as good cholesterol that it should keep cholesterol in 35ml, 40ml for women and for men the levels change between good and bad cholesterol.


What are considered bad HDL cholesterol levels?

HDL cholesterol is considered good cholesterol and it actively removes bad cholesterol. HDL cholesterol levels greater than 60 milligrams is considered good but lower than 40 milligrams is considered bad.


What foods can lower my HDL cholesterol levels?

If you are really wondering what type and kinds of food that can lower your HDL cholesterol levels because your cholesterol is elevated, then I suggest you eat grapes.


HOW DO i RAISE MY HDL?

You can increase your HDL cholesterol levels by doing aerobic exercises.


Why is hdl cholesterol the good cholesterol?

HDL cholesterol is the good cholesterol because is flows in the bloodstream and removes harmful cholesterol from the areas in which it doesn't belong. If you have high HDL levels of cholesterol it will reduce your chance of getting heart disease.


Does smoking decrease HDL cholesterol?

Yes, smoking can decrease the HDL cholesterol. It has been shown from research study, that patients who stopped smoking, experience an increase in HDL cholesterol levels.


What effect does omega 6 have on cholesterol levels?

Raises HDL levels.


How do you find your HDL cholesterol?

HDL cholesterol is known as the good kind of cholesterol. You can have your levels tested at your doctor's office. A blood sample from your vein or finger will be need.


What Is HDL Cholesterol and Why Should I Care?

By now, you probably know that maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is very important. Yet, you may still be wondering, what is HDL cholesterol and why is it important? HDL cholesterol is known as the �good� cholesterol. HDL helps to cleanse the arteries of LDL, or �bad�, cholesterol. When your levels of good cholesterol are low, your arteries may begin to clog, which will increase your chances of developing heart disease and other health problems. This is why doctors, experts, and other medical professionals are constantly telling patients to exercise, consume a healthy diet, and maintain their cholesterol levels.


What is different between hdl and ldl cholesterol?

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is known as "good" cholesterol, as it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries and transport it to the liver for processing. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is known as "bad" cholesterol, as high levels can lead to plaque build-up in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. Maintaining a balance between HDL and LDL levels is important for heart health.


What is the difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol levels in the body?

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is considered "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is considered "good" cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries. Maintaining a balance between LDL and HDL cholesterol levels is important for heart health.


HDL is the cholesterol that is BAD for you?

HDL is the cholesterol that is BAD for you?