Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty material naturally present in cells. At higher levels, it can pose risks to one's health. Cholesterol is categorized by either a high-density lipoprotein ("good" cholesterol) or a low-density lipoprotein ("bad" cholesterol), depending on how the wax-like material moves through the body. Here is what you need to know about the differences between HDL and LDL, understanding your levels, and treatment options to explore with your primary care physician.

Differences Between HDL and LDL

Lipoproteins are particles made of fat and protein, and inside these particles, cholesterol travels through the body. High-density lipoproteins carry cholesterol to the liver, where it is broken down and expelled from the body. Because it lowers cholesterol levels, it is considered to be the good type of cholesterol. 

Low-density lipoproteins carry cholesterol to the arteries, where it can accumulate, harden, and create clogs of plaque. This forces the heart to work harder to pump blood through the arteries, raising your risk of heart attack and stroke. As a result, LDL is considered the bad type of cholesterol. When people refer to cholesterol, they are usually talking about LDL.

HDL helps remove fat from the body, while LDL contributes to its buildup inside the body. This is why lower LDL numbers and higher HDL numbers are optimal. You want high enough levels of good cholesterol to counteract the effects of the bad.

Understanding Your Levels

When your primary care physician tests your cholesterol levels, you will be given a list of numbers. It's important to understand what these numbers mean and what they tell you about your HDL and LDL levels. If you have high LDL, you can start taking steps to lower it.

Total blood cholesterol numbers include HDL, LDL, and 20% of your triglycerides. The total should be between 200 and 240.

HDL is the good cholesterol, so higher numbers are preferred. Recommended minimums are at least 45 mg/dL for males and 55 mg/dL for females.

Levels of LDL, the bad cholesterol, should be as low as possible. For a healthy individual, the target number is 130 mg/dL or less. For a person with cardiovascular disease or diabetes, or overall high total blood cholesterol numbers, the target LDL should be 100 mg/dL or less.

Triglyceride readings are also included in a standard cholesterol test. Triglycerides are a type of fat that gives your body energy, but, like LDL, they can present health risks at higher levels. The number should be less than 200 mg/dL and, ideally, less than 150.

Treatment Options

If you have high LDL and/or triglycerides, there are a number of treatment options available. Consult your primary care physician to determine the most appropriate solutions.

Cholesterol, at healthy levels, actually helps your body. It is needed to make cells, many types of hormones, and vitamin D. But the body typically produces all the cholesterol it needs, and the excess is acquired from the foods you eat. So, dietary changes are often one of the first lines of treatment. Consider introducing more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats like oily fish, nuts, and olive oil into your diet. Eliminate unhealthy fats like fried foods, full-fat dairy, and products made with trans and saturated fats and hydrogenated oils.

Exercise encourages the production of enzymes that help remove LDL from the blood. It also increases the size of lipoproteins, which allow LDL and HDL to be carried more efficiently to and from the body. For these reasons, regular exercise is often prescribed. Aim to do some type of cardiovascular exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Walking, running, swimming, and biking are just a few popular suggestions.

Your primary care physician might prescribe a statin medication. Statins reduce the amount of cholesterol made by the liver, while aiding the liver in removing cholesterol already present in the blood. Commonly prescribed statins include Lipitor®, Lescol®, Altoprev®, Crestor®, and Zocor®.

If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for both your cholesterol and overall health. Studies have shown that smokers have lower HDL levels. Visit your primary care physician to discuss smoking cessation tools to help you quit. Quitting methods with good track records include nicotine replacement therapy, hypnosis, meditation, and prescription medicines; a multi-pronged approach to quitting will increase your chances of success and improving your HDL numbers.

Your primary care physician will be your ally in getting cholesterol numbers in check. Affinity Health Group - Oliver Road Complex has been serving the Monroe, LA, area since 2007. Their staff includes family doctors, dermatologists, behavioral health specialists, and physical therapists. No matter the type of care you need, you can count on their providers to deliver quality support and treatment. Call (318) 807-4900 to make an appointment, or visit their website for more information about their mission, vision, and services.