LDL cholesterol is deemed as the “bad” cholesterol as it accumulates in our body, eventually blocking arteries - blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the heart all across the body - through plaques, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes. Linked to high blood cholesterol, reducing LDL cholesterol counts can prevent these coronary heart diseases - diseases related to the heart - and allow us to live healthy lives. The National Institute of Health recommends our LDL cholesterol be less than 100 mg/dl. Triglycerides is linked to coronary heart diseases as it can raise LDL cholesterol levels.
HDL cholesterol is deemed as the “good” cholesterol because it helps carry cholesterol away from our organs to our liver where it can be removed. It is important to maintain high HDL cholesterol, which can be done by maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking.
The main type of cholesterol to lower is LDL as it has a direct connection to coronary heart diseases. If you want to live a long, healthy life, performing actions such as playing baseball or running without worrying about facing a sudden stroke, it is important to keep an eye on your dietary cholesterol level. Maintain low LDL and triglyceride levels with high HDL levels to live a long, happy life!