WHAT IS LDL CHOLESTROL?

LDL cholestrol is very bad for your health. In lower doses, the liver can get rid of it, but higher doses leave plaque on the inside of arteries, veins and capillaries. This can cause serious heart disease, including heart attacks,

LDL is also known as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol or LDL-C. It contains fatty acids that are similar in consistency to wax. LDL works by moving triglycerides and cholesterol to the small intestine from the liver, which is sent to other tissues and cells. However, as LDL can stick to the insides of the blood circulation tubes, it can either inhibit or completely block blood flow to the heart, brain and other vital organs. In fact, it is not cholesterol that the body can do without, but one that only works well in low amounts.

LDL cholesterol is important for cell synthesis. It helps to feed cells by putting cholesterol into the cells’ plasma membranes. Once used, the cell returns the LDL back to the liver to be discarded. HDL cholesterol aids this process, when high levels are present, by transporting the LDL to the liver. Therefore the only difference between a good and bad LDL level is that higher amounts do cause damage.

The American Heart Association recommends LDL cholesterol levels, preferably at 100 to 129 mg/dL, but keeping these under 200 mg/dL is satisfactory. It has been proven that the lower the levels of LDL are, the lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

LDL cholesterol is measured with a blood test that analyzes the lipid concentrations in the blood. These include LDL concentrations and LDL particle numbers. Even if the concentration is low and the particle numbers are high, the result will still be high, and a high risk of heart disease will still be present.

The best way to reduce the risks and avoid high LDL numbers is to avoid foods with high saturated fats. However, this alone cannot lower cholesterol levels. Exercises like aerobics strengthen the internal circulatory system and heart, making them more able to cope with any excessive toxins in the body. Other important preventative measures include:

No smoking

Reducing bad stress

Drinking plenty of water

Keeping body weight at recommended levels