LDL and HDL cholesterol

Low-density lipoproteins particles (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins particles (HDL) are the carriers of cholesterol in bloodstream.

LDL particles transport cholesterol and triglycerides to the arteries - away from cells and tissues that produce more than they use, towards cells and tissues, which are taking up cholesterol and triglycerides.

LDL increased levels are associated with many cardiovascular diseases. That is why the cholesterol inside LDL lipoproteins is called “bad cholesterol”.

As I mentioned above - that is incorrect, because the cholesterol inside the LDL and HDL lipoproteins are identical. Still, it is not the cholesterol contained within all the LDL particles that is bad, but it’s the concentration and size of the LDL cholesterol particles that is being transported.

HDL particles are the smaller than LDL. HDL particles can remove cholesterol from atheroma within arteries, and transport it back to the liver for excretion or re-utilization. That is why HDL cholesterol is referred to as “good” and HDL particles serve as protection to your body’s cardiovascular health.

LDL cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dl used to be considered optimal, corresponding to reduced risk for heart disease. But for the past few years more clinical researches have recommended optimal levels below 50 mg/dl.

LDL cholesterol levels higher than 190 mg/dl are considered to be very high.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 7th, 2006 at 9:43 pm and is filed under Green Tea. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.