Author: 5memumpower

What are HDL and LDL?

Cholesterol is a type of fat that is found in your body’s arteries and organs. Cholesterol is used all over the body and helps create hormones. Low-density lipoproteins and high-density lipoproteins make up cholesterol. The structures and chemical makeup of each determine in what way the lipoprotein is helpful. Because LDL is composed of 50% cholesterol and 25% protein(B-100 protein), LDL tends to form plaque in the arteries causing your risk for heart disease to increase. HDL is made up of 20% cholesterol and 50% protein (A I-II protein) which is why HDL can remove the LDL build up in arteries and organs.

What Else in my Blood is
Important?

What Does Your Cholestrol Do for you?

Lucas McDuff and Meghan Mumpower

What can High Cholestrol do to You?
Increased risks of heart attacks and strokes can occur when too much cholesterol has accumulated in your arteries; along with these problems, high cholesterol can cause chest pains, create yellow splotches on the skin, leg pain while exercising, and even make your arteries narrow. To prevent this, doctors will test your bodies cholesterol levels every five years.

What Do Concentrations Mean?
The prime goal for total cholesterol is less than 200, but the most important numbers gained by these tests are your LDL levels. The typical LDL level goal is 129 or less; any higher and you are at risk for developing heart disease quicker. LDL levels may need to be even lower if you’ve been considered at risk for heart disease.
How Can I Change my Levels?
There are many different options in lowering your cholesterol levels.
Eating “heart healthy” foods such as whole-grain wheats, oils, fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products.
Doing aerobic exercises at least 150 minutes weekly helps keep your body fit.
Avoiding Tobacco
Some people will take cholesterol-lowering drugs to help reduce levels.