LDL Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol is often called "bad" cholesterol because
too much LDL cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can slowly build
up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain.
Together with other substances, it can form plaque, a thick, hard
deposit that can clog those arteries. This condition is known as atherosclerosis.
If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, it can
cause a heart attack or stroke. The levels of HDL cholesterol and
LDL cholesterol in the blood are measured to evaluate the risk of
having a heart attack. LDL cholesterol of less than 100 mg/dL is
the optimal (best) level. Less than 130 mg/dL is near-optimal for
most people. A high LDL level (more than 160 mg/dL or more than
130 mg/dL if you have two or more risk factors for cardiovascular
disease) reflects an increased risk of heart disease.
HDL Cholesterol
HDL cholesterol is known as the "good" cholesterol because
a high level of it seems to protect against heart attack. (Low HDL
cholesterol levels [less than 40 mg/dL] increase the risk for heart
disease.) About one-third to one-fourth of blood cholesterol is
carried by high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Medical experts think
that HDL tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back
to the liver, where it's passed from the body. Some experts believe
that HDL removes excess cholesterol from plaque in arteries, thus
slowing the buildup.
Lp(a) Cholesterol
Lp(a) is a genetic variation of plasma LDL. A high level of Lp(a)
is an important risk factor for developing fatty deposits in arteries
prematurely. The way an increased Lp(a) contributes to disease isn't
understood. The lesions in artery walls contain substances that
may interact with Lp(a), leading to the buildup of fatty deposits.
Triglyceride
Triglyceride is a form of fat. It comes from food and is also made
in your body. People with high triglycerides often have a high total
cholesterol, a high LDL cholesterol and a low HDL cholesterol level.
Many people with heart disease also have high triglyceride levels.
People with diabetes or who are obese are also likely to have high
triglycerides. Triglyceride levels of less than 150 mg/dL are normal;
levels from 150-199 are borderline high. Levels that are borderline
high or high (200 mg/dL to 499 mg/dL) may need treatment. Triglyceride
levels of 500 mg/dL or above are very high. Doctors need to treat
high triglycerides in people who also have high LDL cholesterol
levels.
CONTENT SOURCE: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=180
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