What Is LDL(Low-density Lipoproteins)?

We often see physicians and research articles mention terms like LDL and HDL. We simply denote them as bad and good cholesterol and consider them as just opposites to each other.

But, it is true that something serious is going on beyond both these abbreviations that we may not be aware of. So, if you are still struggling to sort out these two, this article is surely written for you. 

HDL and LDL: The Good Vs Bad Battle!

The HDL or the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is considered the good cholesterol since it removes other types of cholesterol from your bloodstream.

It is made of multiple proteins that help to carry fat molecules back into the liver to process and flush them out of the body.  

Whereas, LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or the bad cholesterol accumulates in the walls of your blood vessels welcoming an array of health struggles from moderate to severe ranging from hypertension to heart attacks or strokes. LDL looks like a tiny blob containing an outer rim of lipoprotein with a cholesterol center. 

Risks Associated With High LDL

There are a lot of risk factors linked to a higher level of LDL in your bloodstream. Since it blocks the healthy flow of your bloodstream, you can imagine how it affects your overall health. 

Here are the most common health struggles you may face with a higher LDL level.  

• Stroke 
• Heart disease
• Heart attack
• Hypertension 
• Aortic Aneurysm
• Chest pain 
• Peripheral artery disease 
• Coronary artery disease

Diagnosis 

You can get to know your LDL, HDL, triglyceride, and total cholesterol markers with the help of a blood test. Normally, it is recommended to conduct this test every 4-6 years in case you show optimal levels of all these once the test is done. However, if any of these are having a fluctuation, it is necessary to keep track of them often to avoid the risk of heart disease and diabetes by having control over these scales. 

Having a lower level of LDL is optimal since it represents your cardiovascular health. 

Here are the standard limits you need to be aware of while following a cholesterol test.  

• Optimal LDL: less than 100 mg/dL (ml per deciliter)
• Near or above optimal: 100-129 mg/dL
• Borderline high: 130-159 mg/dL
• High: 160-189 mg/dL
• Very high- 190 mg/dL and above

Even if these are the standard markers of blood you would have to target reaching 70 mg/dL or lower level of LDL, in case you are a victim of diabetes or heart disease. 

Tips To Bring Down LDL Level

In case you are planning to bring down the level of LDL, you will have to make certain lifestyle changes or be on medication to reduce the risks of further complications. These healthy changes can also influence your general health apart from saving your heart from severe issues like heart attacks. 

Have a look at the healthy changes you can add to your daily routine that can help you keep your optimal LDL level. 

Healthy and balanced diet: a healthy diet is rich in nutrients, fiber, sterols, and minerals to support your body for its better functioning. But it also should be free of unhealthy saturated fat, cholesterol, sugar, or other carbs and white flour. Instead, you can include healthy fats like nuts, and margarine in your diet. 

Regular physical moves: exercises can help you improve your heart rate, cardiovascular health, and the healthy flow of blood and fluids. By promoting these all, exercises can significantly prevent the accumulation of LDL in various parts of your body. 

Weight loss: losing weight means getting rid of the unwanted fat stores in the body. This makes you feel lighter, releases the stored white fat cells, and reduces the risks associated with a list of health struggles.