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The difference between LDL or bad cholesterol and HDL or good cholesterol is important to know. Cholesterol moves through the body when it is in lipoproteins. Photo/HCA Healthcare Today.
HDL is known as good cholesterol because it transports cholesterol to the liver to be excreted from the body. HDL helps rid the body of excess cholesterol so it is less likely to end up in your arteries.
LDL is called bad cholesterol because it carries cholesterol to your arteries, where it can collect in artery walls. Too much cholesterol in the arteries can lead to a buildup of plaque known as atherosclerosis.
Reporting from Healthline, Wednesday (1/19/2022) this can increase the risk of blood clots in the arteries. If a blood clot breaks off and blocks an artery in your heart or brain, you may have a stroke or heart attack.
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Plaque buildup can also reduce the flow of blood and oxygen to major organs. Lack of oxygen to your organs or arteries can lead to kidney disease or peripheral artery disease, in addition to a heart attack or stroke.
Meanwhile, the only way to tell if your cholesterol is high is through a blood test that measures cholesterol in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). The higher the cholesterol number, the better.
At least HDL cholesterol levels should be higher than 55 mg/dL for women and 45 mg/dL for men. Meanwhile, the lower the LDL cholesterol number, the better.
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This type of cholesterol should ideally be no more than 130 mg/dL if you do not have heart disease, blood vessel disease, or diabetes. In addition, for those who suffer from these conditions or high cholesterol, it is recommended that LDL cholesterol levels are not more than 100 mg/dL.
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