When you learn the results of a cholesterol test and its cholesterol levels, you will usually get three values. The values of "good" HDL cholesterol and those of LDL and VLDL cholesterol, the "bad" versions of cholesterol. But there are also the triglyceride levels, which are not always communicated to you. The LDL and HDL cholesterol is the most important and common types of cholesterol in the human body.
TYPES OF CHOLESTEROL
HDL Cholesterol
HDL means "High-Density Lipoprotein". He is faced with the "bad" LDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol ensures that excess cholesterol is transported back to the liver, where it can then be converted to bile acid and broken down. The higher the HDL level, the better. Nuts and olive oil are rich in HDL cholesterol and unsaturated fatty acids. Fat fish like salmon is also an excellent source of HDL cholesterol. Regular physical activity can also increase HDL cholesterol levels.
LDL Cholesterol
LDL means "low-density lipoprotein", which is also called "bad" cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is responsible for the transport of cholesterol to the organs, brain and other body parts. Transported cholesterol is therefore not degraded, as is the case with HDL cholesterol transport. An excess of LDL cholesterol is thus very dangerous as it can clog the arteries and cause blood clots. These can cause heart disease and heart failure can be the result. The most common causes of LDL cholesterol are fatty food, alcohol, lack of exercise, old age or hereditary predisposition. LDL cholesterol can be avoided through proper diet and exercise.
VLDL Cholesterol
VLDL means "Very Low-Density Lipoprotein". VLDL cholesterol transports cholesterol from the liver to the tissues. High levels of VLDL cholesterol increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Triglyceride
Triglyceride is a natural fat in the blood vessels. It is stored in our fat cells. Our body needs the energy stored in these fats. However, an excess of triglycerides is unhealthy and causes heart disease. Sport is the best tool to burn extra energy and triglyceride. Lowering the triglyceride also has a positive effect on VLDL cholesterol.
Transport of Cholesterol in the Blood
The transport of cholesterol in the blood takes place in the form of so-called lipoproteins. Depending on the composition of the lipoproteins and the proportion of cholesterol, these compounds are referred to as "good" or "bad" cholesterol.
Cholesterol, as fat, is not soluble in aqueous fluids and therefore not in blood. However, cholesterol can be transported via the bloodstream, leading to the formation of lipoproteins. Lipoproteins consist of different proportions of fat (= lipid) and protein (= protein). The fat content determines their density.
1 There are lipoproteins with:
- Very Low Density (VLDL = Very Low-Density Lipoprotein
- Low density (LDL = Low-Density Lipoprotein)
- High density (HDL = English for "High-Density Lipoprotein")
The Cholesterol Cycle
After eating, much of the cholesterol in the form of bile acids are released into the small intestine where it aids digestion. Subsequently, the cholesterol is taken up by the intestinal cells and gets packaged as lipoprotein from there into the bloodstream. The majority of cholesterol in the bloodstream is absorbed by the liver via special docking sites, so-called LDL receptors, from the blood and reused. Only a small amount of cholesterol also reaches other organs that cannot meet their cholesterol needs themselves.
High Cholesterol is not the Same High Cholesterol
In everyday life, there is often talk of "high" cholesterol. Strictly speaking, this term is not entirely correct: "High" cholesterol usually means that the LDL-C value in the blood is elevated. Too much LDL-C in the blood can cause long-term deposits in the arteries. These deposits, known as arteriosclerosis (also known as "arteriosclerosis"), may increase the risk of other cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack or stroke. The tricky thing about it: The high levels are not noticeable by symptoms, but their serious consequences develop slowly and unnoticed. LDL-C is therefore also referred to as the "bad" cholesterol.
Knowing Cholesterol Lowers the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
In order to determine the level of your cholesterol levels and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, you can measure the different cholesterol fractions - especially those of the LDL-C - via a blood test. If your doctor finds that your scores are too high, he will discuss a treatment plan with you to reduce the scores. For this, your individual LDL-C target value is usually first determined based on the overall personal risk, I. the value to which you should lower your LDL-C. Your doctor will consider various factors, such as certain illnesses that you may be suffering from. For the therapy then various measures may be necessary, such as:
- Regular exercises such as cycling or walking
- A change in diet to a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, fiber, and fish
- If these measures are insufficient, various medicines are available to lower LDL-C levels
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