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Is The Ldl The Bad Cholesterol

Whats A Healthy Cholesterol Level

What is Cholesterol? | LDL and HDL | Good and Bad Cholesterol
  • LDL cholesterol for adults should be below 100 mg/dL.
  • HDL cholesterol for men should be over 40 mg/dL.
  • HDL cholesterol for women should be over 50 mg/dL.
  • Total cholesterol should be between 125 and 200 mg/dL.

Cholesterol levels typically increase with age, which means that it becomes increasingly important to monitor cholesterol levels and take steps to manage your cholesterol as you get older.

Keep Your Cholesterol Counts Under Control

Maintaining healthy levels of cholesterol is manageable. Medication is key, along with eating a healthy diet with lots of vegetables and getting regular exercise.

The experts at the USC CardioVascular Thoracic Institute can help you understand your count and give you the support you need to maintain cholesterol levels needed for a healthy heart. Request an appointment today or call .

Cholesterol Tests: The Good The Bad And The Fatty

The different kinds of cholesterol and other fats in your blood are together called lipids. Doctors measure and diagnose lipid problems with a simple blood test. Some doctors ask you to fast for 9 to 12 hours before it to make sure it’s not affected by any food you recently ate. But not all situations require fasting. You may not need it if youâre younger than 25, or if you require only a partial lipid panel, or if your doctor is looking for a ânon-fastingâ result.

In particular, some doctors are especially interested in ânon-fastingâ triglyceride levels, but it is not yet clear how this helps calculate risk for heart disease and other cholesterol-related illnesses. Ask your health care provider if you need to fast for your test.

A lipid profile usually gives results for four different types:

  • Total cholesterol
  • LDL , the “bad cholesterol”
  • HDL , the “good cholesterol”
  • Triglycerides, the most common type of fat in your body

Some lipid panels can give even more detailed information, like the presence and sizes of various fat particles in your blood. Researchers are looking into what, if any, effect these traits have on heart disease. There are no clear guidelines on when this more advanced testing is needed.

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Is Dietary Cholesterol Harmful

Research has shown that dietary cholesterol does not significantly impact cholesterol levels in your body, and data from population studies does not support an association between dietary cholesterol and heart disease in the general population .

Though dietary cholesterol can slightly impact cholesterol levels, this isnt an issue for most people.

In fact, two-thirds of the worlds population experience little or no increase in cholesterol levels after eating cholesterol-rich foods even in large amounts .

A small number of people are considered cholesterol non-compensators or hyper-responders and appear to be more vulnerable to high-cholesterol foods.

However, hyper-responders are thought to recycle extra cholesterol back to the liver for excretion .

Dietary cholesterol has also been shown to beneficially affect the LDL-to-HDL ratio, which is considered the best indicator of heart disease risk .

While research shows that its unnecessary for most people to avoid dietary cholesterol, keep in mind that not all cholesterol-containing foods are healthy.

Here are 7 healthy high-cholesterol foods and 4 to avoid.

Here are 7 high-cholesterol foods that are incredibly nutritious.

What Can Affect My Ldl Level

HEALTHY LIFE: New Cholesterol Guidelines Just Released ...

Things that can affect your LDL level include

  • Diet. Saturated fat and cholesterol in the food you eat make your blood cholesterol level rise
  • Weight. Being overweight tends to raise your LDL level, lower your HDL level, and increase your total cholesterol level
  • Physical Activity. A lack of physical activity can lead to weight gain, which can raise your LDL level
  • Smoking.Cigarette smoking lowers your HDL cholesterol. Since HDL helps to remove LDL from your arteries, if you have less HDL, that can contribute to you having a higher LDL level.
  • Age and Sex. As women and men get older, their cholesterol levels rise. Before the age of menopause, women have lower total cholesterol levels than men of the same age. After the age of menopause, women’s LDL levels tend to rise.
  • Genetics. Your genes partly determine how much cholesterol your body makes. High cholesterol can run in families. For example, familial hypercholesterolemia is an inherited form of high blood cholesterol.
  • Medicines. Certain medicines, including steroids, some blood pressure medicines, and HIV/AIDS medicines, can raise your LDL level.
  • Other medical conditions. Diseases such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS can cause a higher LDL level.
  • Race. Certain races may have an increased risk of high blood cholesterol. For example, African Americans typically have higher HDL and LDL cholesterol levels than whites.

Recommended Reading: How To Lower Cholesterol Quickly

Steak Heavy High Cholesterol Meat

This is another big culprit behind high bad cholesterol levels in many Western countries.

In countries like the United States people love their steaks and tend to have diets which are heavy on high-cholesterol meats and relatively low on foods that promote good cholesterol.

Again, you can eat steak now and then depending on your own bad cholesterol levels, but when you do eat it, you should make an effort to cut off as much of the fat as possible.

Cholesterol: The Good The Bad And The Lipoprotein

Simbo M. Chiadika, MD

Our bodies make and use cholesterol to aid in digestion, and to produce vitamin D and hormones. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is found in many of the foods we eat, such as egg yolks, fatty meats, dairy products, and saturated oils. Too much cholesterol can cause plaque to build up on the walls of your arteries which can narrow blood flow. This may eventually lead to coronary artery disease or other health complications. Simbo Chiadika, MD, a cardiologist with UT Physicians, explains why.

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What Is Good Cholesterol

HDL stands for high-density lipoproteins. It is commonly known as good cholesterol due to its essential function in the body because it carries away other bad, harmful cholesterol from the body and gives it to liver to remove unnecessary & unhealthy cholesterol from the body. Its believed that higher levels of HDL reduce the risk for various heart diseases.

HDL Cholesterol Levels

HDL levels should be kept higher in general.

  • Risk factor: less than 40 mg/dL
  • Borderline low: 41 mg/dL to 59 mg/dL
  • Optimal: 60 mg/dL or higher.

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How to Boost HDL

When we talk about appropriate cholesterol levels then, we can say that higher levels of HDL cholesterol also considered as good cholesterol may benefit your heart.;It potentially removes excess fat from blood, helps arteries to be clean and clear, and may protect you against heart disease,;heart attack,;and stroke.

So whats the best way to have a good amount of HDL in body is to take medication or you can bring out a new healthier lifestyle. Although many people;take required medication to control their;cholesterol level but it is suggested to do it through simple changes in lifestyle.

There are many habits that are great for your overall health and positively can also help to boost HDL.

Here follows some of those:

  • Keep blood pressure under control
  • Intake healthy fats
  • Adopt healthier cooking methods

Foods for HDL

  • Soy products

What Is High Cholesterol

What is LDL Cholesterol? | Dr.Berg on LDL Bad Cholesterol – Part 4

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is made by the liver and obtained through the diet. It can be found in the fats in your blood. High cholesterol is when you have high amounts of cholesterol in the blood.

Cholesterol is essential in order for your body to continue building healthy cells, however having high cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. This is because it can lead to a build-up of fatty deposits in your blood vessels, which overtime can make it difficult for enough blood to flow through your arteries and consequently to your heart.

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What Treatments Are Available For High Cholesterol

Treatment may include:

  • Addressing risk factors. Some risk factors that can be changed include lack of exercise and poor eating habits.

  • Cholesterol-lowering medicines. Medicines are used to lower fats in the blood, particularly LDL cholesterol. Statins are a group of medicines that can do this. The two most effective types are atorvastatin and rosuvastatin. Other medicines that lower cholesterol levels are ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors.

Cholesterol Chart For Adults

According to the 2018 guidelines on the management of blood cholesterol published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology , these are the acceptable, borderline, and high measurements for adults.

All values are in mg/dL and are based on fasting measurements.

Total cholesterol

Your doctor may recommend a plan of treatment for high cholesterol that includes lifestyle modifications and potentially medication. This will vary based on factors like other medications you may be taking, your age, sex, and general health.

Here are some medications more commonly prescribed for high cholesterol:

Medications can also be used to treat contributing factors to cholesterol like triglycerides. These may be used in addition to some of the medications above.

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Direct Measurement Of Ldl Particle Concentrations

There are several competing methods for measurement of lipoprotein particle concentrations and size. The evidence is that the NMR methodology results in a 22-25% reduction in cardiovascular events within one year,contrary to the longstanding claims by many in the medical industry that the superiority over existing methods was weak, even by statements of some proponents.

Since the later 1990s, because of the development of NMR measurements, it has been possible to clinically measure lipoprotein particles at lower cost and higher accuracy. There are two other assays for LDL particles, however, like LDL-C, most only estimate LDL particle concentrations.

Direct LDL particle measurement by NMR was mentioned by the ADA and ACC, in a 28 March 2008 joint consensus statement, as having advantages for predicting individual risk of atherosclerosis disease events, but the statement noted that the test is less widely available, is more expensive ]. Debate continues that it is “…unclear whether LDL particle size measurements add value to measurement of LDL-particle concentration”, though outcomes have always tracked LDL particle, not LDL-C, concentrations.

Optimal ranges

The LDL particle concentrations are typically categorized by percentiles, <20%, 2050%, 50th80th%, 80th95% and >95% groups of the people participating and being tracked in the MESA trial, a medical research study sponsored by the United States National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

MESA Percentile
190

What Is Ldl Cholesterol

LDL

Cholesterol is carried through the blood on two types of proteins called lipoproteins. These lipoproteins include LDL , which is sometimes referred to as bad cholesterol, and HDL , or what is typically referred to as good cholesterol.

The science over good and bad cholesterol has shifted quite a bit recently, so how can you be sure that youre not putting your health in danger? Read on for everything you need to know about LDL backed by the most recent science.

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What Are Some Things That Can Affect My Cholesterol Levels

There are a variety of factors that can affect your cholesterol. While some things are unavoidable like age and family history, making heart-healthy lifestyle changes such as balanced meal plans, regular exercise, and weight management goes a long way to improving your long-term health, said Chiadika.

  • Diet Foods rich in saturated fat or trans fat have the biggest impact on your blood cholesterol levels. Consider healthier options to help reduce intake of these types of fats.
  • Obesity Being overweight raises your triglycerides levels and lowers your HDL. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes regularly.
  • Smoking This not only lowers your HDL level but also raises your LDL level. Eliminate this habit or look into a smoking cessation program.
  • Age Cholesterol levels tend to rise as we age. Although less common, children and teens can also have high levels as well.
  • Family history High cholesterol can run in families. In most cases, children with high cholesterol have a parent who also has elevated levels of cholesterol.

Doing An Immediate Ldl Measurement

  • Remember of the value. The direct LDL cholesterol test is significantly costlier than the fasting test. Though its more convenient for you because the patient, its going to not be as efficient as some doctors would really like.
  • Direct LDL tests are considered much more accurate and have a lower chance of inaccuracy compared to the fasting test .
  • Due to their precision and therefore the corresponding lab work involved, direct LDL tests can cost many dollars.
  • While direct LDL tests are more precise, they also provide doctors with additional information that may not usually useful or relevant to your cholesterol levels. For this reason, some insurance policies dont cover direct LDL costs.
  • Ask your insurance firm to ascertain if direct LDL tests are covered by your policy.
  • Get your results. Your test results should be received within approximately 24 hours after the samples reach the lab. This might take slightly longer, counting on how protected the lab is and when your samples are delivered. If youve got not heard anything from your doctor and are concerned about your test results, contact your medical care physicians office to seek out about your blood samples.
  • A bit like the fasting test, your direct LDL test levels should ideally be below 100.

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Ldl As A Risk Factor For Heart Disease

LDL carries about 60-70% of serum cholesterol . It transports cholesterol from the liver to the peripheral tissues. High levels of LDL-C are harmful because it can build up on the arterial walls to initiate the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Unlike the other lipoproteins, each LDL particle contains mostly one apoB-100 which is responsible for the selective binding of LDL to the LDLR. The binding of LDL to its receptor in the liver is the major mechanism used to remove LDL from circulation. Using this mechanism, about 70% of LDL are removed by the liver, releasing FC . The increase in intracellular cholesterol can affect blood cholesterol levels by inhibiting de novo synthesis of cholesterol, decreasing the synthesis of the LDLR, and increasing the activity of an enzyme that facilitates cholesterol storage .

Checking Your Blood Cholesterol Level

Bad Cholesterol (LDL) is NOT Cholesterol and Is NOT Bad! – Dr.Berg

A cholesterol screening is an overall look at the fats in your blood. Screenings help identify your risk for heart disease. It is important to have what is called a full lipid profile to show the actual levels of each type of fat in your blood: LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and others. Talk with your healthcare provider about when to have this test.

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Lifestyle Tips To Cut Cholesterol

Changing some of your lifestyle habits may also help to reduce your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Suggestions include:

  • Cease alcohol consumption or reduce your alcohol intake to no more than one or two drinks a day. Avoid binge drinking. This may help lower your triglyceride levels.
  • Dont smoke. Smoking increases the ability of LDL cholesterol to get into artery cells and cause damage.
  • Exercise regularly . Exercise increases HDL levels while reducing LDL and triglyceride levels in the body.
  • Lose any excess body fat. Being overweight may contribute to raised blood triglyceride and LDL levels.
  • Control your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. High blood sugars are linked to an increased risk of atherosclerosis , heart attacks and strokes.

Butter And Some Oils The Silent Cholesterol Attack

Butter is a high cholesterol food which is something of a silent killer many people never consider the health implications of eating butter because it seems like such a relatively minor part of their diet.

The reality is the butter you spread on your toast and use for cooking can make a huge contribution to your cholesterol levels.

The same applies to certain cooking oils which contain saturated fats like palm oil.

Now, be careful if you want to substitute butter with margarine though some margarine products contain trans fats rather than saturated fats, which actually stimulate the production of bad cholesterol inside your body.

Ideally you want to find spreads and cooking oil products which made from foods high in unsaturated fats.

Olive oil and olive oil based spreads are good examples.

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People Should Make An Informed Decision

Study co-author Prof. David Diamond, of the University of Southern Florida in Tampa, comments on the findings, saying, There have been decades of research designed to deceive the public and physicians into believing that LDL causes heart disease, when in fact, it doesnt.

The research that has targeted LDL is terribly flawed, he goes on to explain. Not only is there a lack of evidence of causal link between LDL and heart disease, the statistical approach statin advocates have used to demonstrate benefits has been deceptive.

The researchers aim to share this information with people, so they can make an informed decision when theyre considering taking cholesterol lowering medication.

In the paper, the authors disclose that Dr. Ravnskov along with a few other co-authors have previously published books that criticize the idea that LDL cholesterol causes heart disease.

Dr. Ravnskov is the director of The International Network of Cholesterol Skeptics, and in 2007, he was awarded the Leo-Huss-Walin Prize for Independent Thinking.

How Much Does The Test Cost

Total Cholesterol Overview

You may find it helpful to talk with your doctor about the costs of cholesterol testing. The cost of cholesterol testing may depend on several factors:

  • What type of cholesterol test is being taken
  • Whether LDL is being calculated or measured
  • Insurance coverage
  • Where the test is being performed

Blood testing is typically covered by insurance when prescribed by a doctor, but you may be responsible for out-of-pocket costs on copays, deductibles, or technician fees.

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