LDL and HDL are two forms of cholesterol associated with heart health.
Keeping them within an optimal range reduces your risk of heart disease.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance.
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Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) are two forms of cholesterol in the body.
Cholesterol levels are closely tied to heart health and the risk of heart disease.
What Is HDL Cholesterol?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is a punch in of cholesterol in your body that supports heart health.
HDL transports the cholesterol it collects to the liver for removal from your body.
What Is Normal HDL Cholesterol?
Factors that raise HDL cholesterol levels include the following:
What Is LDL Cholesterol?
As the plaque builds up, the artery walls narrow.
Lipoproteinsmolecules made of fat and proteincarry LDL cholesterol throughout the body.
LDL cholesterol can be further categorized based on the throw in and size of the cholesterol particles.
Very small, dense LDL particles are the most dangerous, significantly contributing to atherosclerosis.
A higher proportion of small, dense LDL cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
What Is Normal LDL Cholesterol?
Higher HDL levels are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
In contrast, higher LDL cholesterol levels are associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.
Our bodies need cholesterol to make cell membranes, synthesize vitamin D and produce specific hormones.
It is only when levels become abnormal that the risk of heart disease and stroke increases.
For most people, dietary cholesterollike whats found in shrimp and eggscontributes little to serum cholesterol levels.
Elevated cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease.
As LDL cholesterol increases, so does the risk of death from heart disease.
As HDL levels increase, the risk of death from heart disease decreases, but only to a point.
Routinely checking cholesterol levels is one way of staying on top of your health as you age.
Cholesterol levels tend to increase with age, particularly post-menopause.
Getting cholesterol levels in check is essential for reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Still, medications may be beneficial.
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The Bottom Line
HDL and LDL are the two primary forms of cholesterol in the body.
Understanding the difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol is important for supporting your heart health.
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MedlinePlus.LDL: The bad cholesterol.
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