LDL And HDL Cholesterol Types
Cholesterol is viewed as negative in the main – but maintaining a healthy balance of cholesterol is vital for our ultimate health and well being rather than trying to remove completely.
Our blood carries cholesterol and fat around our system in our veins. This combination of fat and protein is called lipoprotein
There are two types of Cholesterol levels (lipoproteins) in our system.
Low Density Lipoprotein LDL
The main kind of cholesterol that is carried via our blood is Low Density Lipoprotein or LDL
LDL is primarily made up of fat and a very small trace of protein.
If there is too much LDL in the blood the arteries may become clogged with cholesterol deposits making it hard for the blood to flow through the blood vessels.
Too much LDL in the blood and the of cardiovascular disease is more likely. LDL is described as the bad cholesterol.
High Density Lipoprotein HDL
Only a very small amount of High Density Lipoprotein orĀ HDL cholesterol travels around the body in our blood.
HDL is mainly protein with only a minimal trace amount of fat.
HDL is responsible for preventing the build up of deposits and clogging in the arteries. Lower levels of HDL increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. HDL is sometimes known as good cholesterol.
Females are on average more likely to have higher levels of HDL than men.