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- She explains that low-density lipoprotein (LDL), sometimes called “bad” cholesterol, causes fatty deposits to build up in your arteries. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol, actually helps remove the bad cholesterol from your body.
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What's the difference between bad cholesterol and good cholesterol?
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Mar 27, 2022 · Ideally, you want your “good” cholesterol levels to be at 60 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) or higher, though a standard range is 40 mg/dL to 59 mg/dL. When your HDL levels fall below 40, you’re at an increased risk for heart disease. In rare cases, you may have very high levels of HDL that isn’t doing what it should be.
- Why Are My Cholesterol Numbers Important?
- What Kind of Test Measures Cholesterol?
- What Is The Unit of Measurement For Cholesterol?
- What’s Considered High Cholesterol?
- How Often Should I Get My Cholesterol checked?
- I Just Learned I Have High cholesterol. Now What?
Your cholesterol numbers are important because they help you know your risk for heart disease. Cholesterol is a type of lipid (fat) that helps your body perform many important functions. But too much cholesterol in your blood is bad for you. It can enter your arterywall, damage its integrity and lead to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque (hard...
Your provider checks your cholesterol levels through a blood test called a lipid panel (or lipid profile). Your provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm and send the blood to a lab for analysis. Be sure to closely follow your provider’s instructions on how to prepare for the test. You’ll likely need to fast for 12 hours beforehand. This mea...
Healthcare providers measure cholesterol levels as milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood. The abbreviation is mg/dL. Providers use these same units to measure your triglycerides.
High cholesterol generally means your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL or higher. But providers use additional categories like “borderline high” and “near optimal” to break down your results. If your numbers are close to normal levels, they may be easier to manage through lifestyle and dietary changes.
Your provider will tell you how often you need your cholesterol checked. It depends on your: 1. Age: The older you get, the more often you need to have your numbers checked. 2. Family history: If you have a close biological family member with a history of heart disease, you face a higher risk of heart problems, too. You may need cholesterol tests m...
You may feel upset to learn you have high cholesterol. But now that you know about it, you can take action to lower your numbers. Follow your provider’s guidance on how to lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease. Some general tips include: 1. Add more exerciseto your daily routine. 2. Avoid smokingand all tobacco products. 3. K...
Jul 11, 2017 · As a general rule, HDL is considered “good” cholesterol, while LDL is considered “bad.” This is because HDL carries cholesterol to your liver, where it can be removed from your bloodstream before it builds up in your arteries. LDL, on the other hand, takes cholesterol directly to your arteries.
At a glance. Cholesterol can be confusing! Learn answers to common questions about blood cholesterol. Myth: All cholesterol is bad for you. Fact: Some types of cholesterol are essential for good health. Your body needs cholesterol to perform important jobs, such as making hormones and building cells.
Most of the cholesterol in our blood is the LDL form. You want to keep your LDL levels low. If not, bad cholesterol can create buildup in your arteries, known as a plaque. Plaques make it harder for blood to flow to your heart, creating heart problems. These include chest pain and heart attacks.
May 15, 2024 · What results indicate. Unit. Normal ranges. Reading results. High LDL next steps. Regular testing. Summary. The results of a cholesterol test show people the amounts of different types of...
Feb 4, 2024 · Which is the good cholesterol? HDL is considered the “good” cholesterol that will help protect you from cardiovascular disease. High-density cholesterol carries the “bad” LDL cholesterol away from the arteries back to the liver, which breaks it down and eliminates it from the body.
