Which Type Of Cholesterol Is Known As The Good Cholesterol

When Is It Ordered

The calculation of non-HDL-C can be reported as an additional parameter to the traditional lipid profile, along with total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C and triglycerides when a person has a routine health exam.

AdultsIt is recommended that all adults with no risk factors for heart disease be tested every four to six years.

For people who have one or more major risk factors for heart disease , a fasting lipid profile may be ordered more frequently.

Major risk factors for heart disease other than a high LDL-C include:

• Cigarette smoking

The concentration expressed in mg/dl or mmol/l.

How Is Familial Hypercholesterolemia Treated

For adults with FH, a treatment plan usually includes one of several types of cholesterol-lowering medication and lifestyle changes that include a healthy diet and exercise. Children diagnosed with FH can be safely prescribed statins from age 10 and up.

The most common kinds of treatments for adults include the following:

• Statins. This class of drugs reduces LDL cholesterol levels. Statins are usually prescribed as the first treatment option. Examples include atorvastatin and rosuvastatin .
• Bile acid sequestrants. This is an older type of drug that, on its own or in combination with statins, can also lower LDL cholesterol levels. Examples include cholestyramine and colesevelam .
• PCSK9 inhibitors. First approved in 2015 specifically for FH, this newer class of drugs may be prescribed together with other cholesterol-lowering drugs. Examples include alirocumab and evolocumab .
• LDL apheresis. If oral medications are not effectively lowering LDL cholesterol levels, then a medical procedure called apheresis might be recommended, and it can be helpful for young children, too. In this procedure, the patients blood is filtered through a machinesimilar to what happens during kidney dialysisto remove LDL cholesterol.
• Liver transplantation. This is an alternative therapy to apheresis. If a liver transplant is available, it is preferred to apheresis as no regular therapy is needed. Unfortunately, the number of liver transplants available in this country is limited.

What Are The Types Of Cholesterol

Cholesterol moves throughout the body carried by lipoproteins in the blood. These lipoproteins include:

• Low-density lipoprotein is one of the two main lipoproteins. LDL is often called the bad cholesterol.
• High-density lipoprotein is the other main lipoprotein. HDL is often called the good cholesterol.
• Very-low-density lipoproteins are particles in the blood that carry triglycerides.

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Foods That Lower Cholesterol

Have you ever thought you could reduce your high cholesterol levels simply by not eating foods that contain cholesterol ? You’re not alone.

In fact, even the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines recommended against consuming more than 300 mg of dietary cholesterol a day, as foods that are higher in dietary cholesterol are also higher in saturated fats. And the Dietary Guidelines suggest limiting saturated fats.

It is important to keep in mind though that the Dietary Guidelines do reference the fact that “adequate evidence is not available for a quantitative limit for dietary cholesterol,” so all available evidence suggests there is no relationship between consumption of dietary cholesterol and levels of blood cholesterol.

We aren’t saying that changing your diet won’t help you reduce your numbers. Eating the right foods is one of the most effective ways to loweror maintain healthy levels ofyour cholesterol. So besides exercising more, cutting out refined sugars, and steering clear of foods high in saturated and trans fats, simply incorporate the foods below into your weekly routine. Wondering which foods to avoid? Start with these common foods that raise your heart attack risk.

Before we go into our list of foods, here’s a general review of what types of cholesterol are found in your body:

HDL CHOLESTEROL

LDL CHOLESTEROL

Is Any Test Preparation Needed To Ensure The Quality Of The Sample

For a fasting lipid profile, which may include a results for non-HDL-C, fasting for 9-12 hours before having the blood sample drawn is typically required only water is permitted. However, some laboratories offer non-fasting lipid profiles. In particular, children and teens may have testing done without fasting. Follow any instructions you are given and be sure to tell the person drawing your blood whether or not you have fasted.

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What Is The Difference Between Good Cholesterol And Bad Cholesterol

Good cholesterol is known as high-density lipoprotein . It removes cholesterol from the bloodstream. Low-density lipoprotein is the bad cholesterol.

If your total cholesterol level is high because of a high LDL level, you may be at higher risk of heart disease or stroke. But, if your total cholesterol level is high only because of a high HDL level, youre probably not at higher risk.

Triglycerides are another type of fat in your blood. When you eat more calories than your body can use, it turns the extra calories into triglycerides.

Changing your lifestyle can improve your cholesterol levels, lower LDL and triglycerides, and raise HDL.

Your ideal cholesterol level will depend on your risk for heart disease.

• Total cholesterol level less than 200 is best, but it depends on your HDL and LDL levels.
• LDL cholesterol levels less than 130 is best, but this depends on your risk for heart disease.
• HDL cholesterol levels 60 or higher reduces your risk for heart disease.
• Triglycerides less than 150 milligrams per deciliter is best.

Hdl Stands For High Density Lipoprotein

Lipoproteins are little parcels of lipids and proteins, which transport fats around the body in the blood.

HDL cholesterol contains a lot of protein and relatively little fat. This means its very dense, which is why its called high density lipoprotein.

HDL cholesterol is one of the five main types of lipoprotein. It carries about a quarter of the cholesterol in your blood. Most of the rest is carried in LDL cholesterol, sometimes called bad cholesterol as it can lead to heart disease.

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What Does Hdl Cholesterol Do

HDL clears from the body via the liver. HDL may therefore prevent the buildup of plaque, protect your arteries, and protect you from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. It is considered the good cholesterol, and higher levels are better. A good goal to aim for is higher than 55 mg/dL for women and 45 mg/dL for men. The higher your HDL cholesterol numbers, the lower your risk is for heart disease, vascular disease, and stroke.

How Can I Prevent High Cholesterol

Here are a few things you can do to keep your cholesterol under control:

• Eat a healthy diet that includes lots of fruit, vegetables and whole grains.
• Limit drinks and foods that have a lot of fat or sugar, like sugary drinks, treats, and fried foods.
• Get plenty of exercise. Experts recommend at least 60 minutes every day!

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Targets For Cholesterol Levels

Here are recommended levels of lipids in your blood measured in milligrams per deciliter .

• Total cholesterol: Under 200 mg/dL
• Total triglycerides: Under 150 mg/dL
• LDL cholesterol: Under 130 mg/dL for healthy individuals, or under 100 mg/dL for heart or blood vessel disease, or for those with high total cholesterol
• HDL cholesterol: More than 45 mg/dL for men, or more than 55 mg/dL for women

Statistics about cholesterol include:

• In the United States, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in adults. High cholesterol is a primary risk factor in cardiovascular disease.
• Of adults age 20 and older, 11.8% have a total cholesterol of 240 mg/dL or more.
• The average total cholesterol level for adults over age 20 in the United States is 191 mg/dL.
• Of adults in the U.S., 18% have low HDL cholesterol levels.
• Low HDL cholesterol is more prevalent in the United States among people of Hispanic descent than those from other ethnic groups.

When Should I Get An At

You can consider getting an at-home test if you are curious about your blood cholesterol. This can provide information about your current cholesterol levels and may help initiate a more in-depth conversation with your doctor about heart health and wellness.

At the same time, you should not have an at-home cholesterol test if you have concerns or symptoms related to your health. In that case, you should talk with your doctor for specific guidance. Your doctor can also review the pros and cons of at-home cholesterol testing in your situation.

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How Cholesterol Is Tested

Not sure what to expect when you get your cholesterol tested? Well, all it takes is a simple blood test. Health care professionals simply take a blood sample from a vein in your arm with a needle. You may be asked not to eat or drink for 9 to 12-hours prior to the blood test.

Once your results come in, the doctor will see whether youre at a healthy level. You may need to boost your HDL levels or perhaps lower your LDL levels. Whatever the results are, you can discuss with your doctor to find out how you can achieve optimal cholesterol levels.

How Much Does The Test Cost

The price for HDL cholesterol testing is variable. Factors that can influence the cost of cholesterol testing include which measurements are included, where the blood sample is taken, and whether you have health insurance.

There may be separate charges for your blood draw, office visits, and laboratory analysis. In many cases, these costs will be at least partially covered by your health insurance if the HDL cholesterol test is recommended by your doctor. You can check with your health care plan for information about costs including a deductible or copayments.

Some health clinics or pharmacies have set prices for point-of-care cholesterol tests. In addition, point-of-care testing may be available for free or at a low cost at community events like health fairs.

At-home test kits differ dramatically in price. Devices that analyze cholesterol from a drop of blood can cost from under $150 to several hundred dollars. If repeat testing is needed, some tests allow you to purchase additional test strips.

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Types And Function Of Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of waxy fat created by your liver or introduced to your body through the foods you eat. Cholesterol is needed by your body to make new cells. Too much cholesterol, though, can be a bad thing.

Whether it’s made by your liver or brought in through your diet, cholesterol circulates through your blood bound to lipoproteins. High-density lipoproteins carry more cholesterol molecules than low-density lipoproteins.

LDL cholesterol is seen as the “bad” version of this substance, because it carries cholesterol into artery walls, depositing cholesterol where it doesn’t belong. This can result in plaques that cause your arteries to narrow and become more rigida condition called atherosclerosis.

Pieces of these plaques can fall off, or blood clots can form in your narrowed vessels. These clots may go on to cause a heart attack or stroke.

HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, is considered “good,” because it helps to clear fats from the bloodstream, returning these molecules to the liver, where they are removed as waste. HDL can even help clear some of the cholesterol deposits left behind in artery walls.

Cholesterol isn’t bad unless there’s too much of it or you have the wrong balance of cholesterol. Cholesterols and triglycerides are the two main types of fats in the body. Cholesterols are only found in animal products, or are produced by the liver.

How Is It Broken Down

Once in the blood stream, some cholesterol will be returned to the liver and broken down. Its used to make bile acids which are released into the intestines to help with digestion bile acids break down the fats in food.

A small amount of bile acids will be removed from the body as a waste product in your poo. But most will be absorbed back into the blood, returned to the liver and used again for digestion.

Some treatments for high cholesterol work by stopping bile from being absorbed back into the blood. The liver has to take more cholesterol out of the blood to make more bile, lowering your cholesterol levels.

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How Can I Raise My Hdl Level

If your HDL level is too low, lifestyle changes may help. These changes may also help prevent other diseases, and make you feel better overall:

• Eat a healthy diet. To raise your HDL level, you need to eat good fats instead of bad fats. This means limiting saturated fats, which include full-fat milk and cheese, high-fat meats like sausage and bacon, and foods made with butter, lard, and shortening. You should also avoid trans fats, which may be in some margarines, fried foods, and processed foods like baked goods. Instead, eat unsaturated fats, which are found in avocado, vegetable oils like olive oil, and nuts. Limit carbohydrates, especially sugar. Also try to eat more foods naturally high in fiber, such as oatmeal and beans.
• Stay at a healthy weight. You can boost your HDL level by losing weight, especially if you have lots of fat around your waist.
• Exercise. Getting regular exercise can raise your HDL level, as well as lower your LDL. You should try to do 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise on most, if not all, days.
• Avoid cigarettes.Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can lower your HDL level. If you are a smoker, ask your health care provider for help in finding the best way for you to quit. You should also try to avoid secondhand smoke.
• Limit alcohol. Moderate alcohol may lower your HDL level, although more studies are needed to confirm that. What we do know is that too much alcohol can make you gain weight, and that lowers your HDL level.

What Is Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that’s found in all the cells in your body. Your liver makes cholesterol, and it is also in some foods, such as meat and dairy products. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But having too much cholesterol in your blood raises your risk of coronary artery disease.

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Does Testing Non

The concentration of non-HDL-C is considered as a useful parameter in assessing the risk of coronary heart disease, comparable to LDL-C. Adding non-HDL-C to the traditional lipid profile has many advantages:

• Non-HDL-C is calculated from a simple equation, based on total cholesterol and HDL-C levels, thus its measurement is easily available even in small laboratories and doesnt require additional costs.
• It reflects cholesterol levels in all lipoprotein fractions that could increase risk for heart disease.
• In contrast to LDL-C calculated from the Friedewald formula, non-HDL-C concentration is not associated with errors due to high triglycerides . Furthermore, it is possible to perform this test in patients who have not fasted.
• Several population-based studies have shown a strong correlation between the concentration of non-HDL-C and apoliporotein B , a protein component of lipoproteins that increases CVD risk. If non-HDL-C is measured, there is no need to measure apo B.
• Patients with elevated levels of non-HDL-C and yet normal levels of LDL-C often have an increased number of LDL particles, increased apo B or increased small, dense LDL particles and these are associated with an increased risk of CVD. Therefore non-HDL-C might be more valuable indicator of cardiovascular risk than LDL-C.

Why Is It Good

HDL cholesterol is known as good cholesterol because of the functions it performs in the body. By circulating in the bloodstream, it helps remove other forms of cholesterol by absorbing it and carrying it to the liver. The liver can then reprocess the cholesterol for use or send it out of the body as waste.

This process helps keep extra cholesterol from attaching to the lining of the arteries and becoming plaque. Plaque is a mixture of cholesterol and other fatty substances that attaches to the walls of the arteries. Over time, this can build up and cause the opening of the arteries to become narrower a condition called atherosclerosis.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute notes that atherosclerosis is a risk factor for serious complications. Narrow arteries may lead to risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure. Additionally, narrow arteries may be more susceptible to blood clots, which can put a person at risk of severe events such as heart attack or stroke.

The combination of keeping total cholesterol down while keeping HDL cholesterol high may help reduce this risk and prevent cardiovascular disease.

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How To Increase Hdl Cholesterol

Although HDL levels are driven by family genetics, you can improve HDL levels in three key ways:

• If you are a smoker, research clearly shows that quitting smoking can increase HDL.
• Adopting a heart-healthy diet low in fat and high in fiber can also modestly raise your HDL.
• Aerobic exercise can also have positive effects on HDL. Have trouble exercising? Find a buddy research shows it helps motivate you. That exercise can be as simple as increasing the amount of walking you do each week.

Lastly, although primarily used to decrease high LDL, some statin medications may potentially increase HDL levels moderately. Any medical treatment option should be discussed with your doctor. Importantly, high HDL does not protect you from the untoward effects of high LDL.

Why Is Cholesterol Important To Our Bodies

Every cell in the body needs cholesterol, which helps the cell membranes form the layers. These layers protect the contents of the cell by acting as the gatekeeper to what things can enter or leave the cell. It is made by the liver and is also used by the liver to make bile, which helps you digest foods. Cholesterol is also needed to make certain hormones and to produce vitamin D. Your liver makes enough cholesterol to meet your bodys needs for these important functions.

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