The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

                                                                         

A client of mine who has heart disease asked me about cholesterol.  He is really confused about the difference between bad and good cholesterol.  I totally understand as the distinction in cholesterol types can be confusing for some people.  Let's take a look. Cholesterol is transported in the blood by carriers called lipoproteins. Low-Density Lipoprotein is also known as LDL or bad cholesterol.  LDL cholesterol causes the formation of plaque, which builds up on the walls of the blood vessels.  The plaque build-up causes the artery walls to narrow, leading to a condition called atherosclerosis.  In the event of atherosclerosis, a simple clot in the blood can lead to a blockage which could trigger a heart attack or a stroke.

What you want is good cholesterol.  HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) is thought to carry cholesterol from the arteries to the liver where it is broken down.  Some experts also think that HDL removes some cholesterol from the artery walls thus slowing down the amount of plaque being formed. A higher level of HDL cholesterol is recommended for the prevention of heart diseases.  

Borderline LDL levels reading between 130 mg/dl and 159 mg/dl should be monitored and taken down to anywhere between 101 mg/dl and 129 mg/dl.  My goals is to be under 100 mg/dl which is excellent.  However, you want numbers above 60 mg/dl and anything under 40 mg/dl, you are at risk of developing heart disease.

If you need to lower your LDL or bad cholesterol, take my cholesterol challenge.  In the meantime, why don’t you also boost your HDL?  To increase your HDL, follow these guidelines:

1. Exercise!  Engage in cardiovascular/aerobic workouts(at least 4 times a week for 30 to 60 minutes).
2. Keep your weight at a healthy level!  If you need to lose unnecessary pounds, a sensible wellness program can help 
3. Stop smoking!  Are you surprised?  Tobacco decreases HDL levels… Oops!

When it comes to cholesterol, be good to yourself by being proactive, and take action by getting tested.  You don't want to end up popping pills for the rest of your life or worse, experiencing The Ugly -- heart attack or stroke.