What Is The Difference Between HDL And LDL Cholesterol?
September Newsletter
What Is The Difference Between HDL Cholesterol And LDL Cholesterol?
September is National Cholesterol Education Month. Do you know your cholesterol levels? Keeping these levels healthy can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death among U.S. adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention breaks down the different types of cholesterol to monitor:
First things first… What is cholesterol? This waxy substance is produced by the liver and helps with important functions such as digesting food and making hormones. Our body naturally produces enough cholesterol, but we also get cholesterol from what we eat. In fact, dietary cholesterol is found in foods such as meat, seafood, dairy, and eggs.
What are the different types of cholesterol?
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is the “bad” cholesterol in the bloodstream. A poor diet can cause elevated levels of LDL, which increases risk for heart disease and stroke due to plaque buildup in the arteries.
HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is the “good” cholesterol in the bloodstream. A balanced diet and exercise can elevate HDL levels, which decreases risk for heart disease and stroke.
This risk level can also be impacted by the amount of triglycerides in your bloodstream, a type of fat converted into energy. When combined with high LDL and low HDL levels, high triglycerides can be dangerous.
When testing your cholesterol, you may also receive a total cholesterol number, which is the total amount of cholesterol in your body, based on LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.
To learn more about how cholesterol affects heart health, watch this video from Mayo Clinic.
8 Heart-Healthy Habits That Help You Live Longer
A healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to increase your chance of a long life. According to the American Heart Association, eight lifestyle factors (known as the AHA’s Life Essential 8™) can help lower risk of heart disease:
- Choose nutritious meals – Strive to keep a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts, and seeds.
- Stay active – Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise per week.
- Avoid smoking – If you smoke or vape, consider quitting.
- Be mindful of sleep habits – The average adult requires 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to function their best and stay healthy.
- Maintain a healthy weight – Visiting your healthcare provider is the best way to determine your ideal weight. A BMI calculation can also assist in establishing this number.
- Manage your cholesterol – Having your cholesterol levels checked routinely can help identify serious health risks.
- Reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes – Control your blood sugar with a healthy diet and active lifestyle to reduce your risk of diabetes.
- Monitor your blood pressure – Routinely check your blood pressure to aid in assessing your risk of heart attack or stroke.