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Ask the Physician
Niya Jones, MD, MPH
Associate Cardiologist, Cardiology Department at Deborah
Heart and Lung Center, answers your question:
Q: I get confused about cholesterol; what is the difference between “good” and “bad” cholesterol, and what
matters the most?
~Sean O., Flemington
A: Sean, I’m glad you asked! When you have your cholesterol checked (at
minimum every five years), you are given the total cholesterol – a measure of the total amount of cholesterol in your blood. Total cholesterol is
based on the high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein
(LDL) and triglycerides numbers. It is very important to know the difference between HDL and LDL and the way each affects our body.
Low-density lipoprotein makes up the bulk of the body’s cholesterol.
LDL is known as “bad” cholesterol because having elevated levels can
lead to plaque buildup in your arteries and result in cardiovascular disease. High-density lipoprotein picks up excess cholesterol in your blood
and carries it back to the liver, where it is broken down and flushed from
the body. HDL is known as “good” cholesterol because having high levels
can reduce the risk for heart disease and stroke.
Here’s a great way to remember the good from the bad: You want to
have a low level of low-density lipoprotein because it is “bad”
cholesterol, and you want to have a high level of high-density lipoprotein
because it is “good” cholesterol.
If you have concerns about your cholesterol and would like a cardiac
assessment, Sean, please contact the scheduling department at Deborah
Heart and Lung Center – I’d be glad to see you!
For an appointment or more information about how Deborah Heart
and Lung Center’s leading-edge technologies can improve your quality of life, call 800-555-1990 or visit www.demanddeborah.org.
www.njcopsmagazine.com
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