What is LDL?
The liver produces cholesterol that your body needs and packages fat molecules (cholesterol, phospholipids, and triglycerides) in very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). As VLDL transports fat to cells around your body, VLDL becomes low-density lipoproteins (LDL), the more dense particle. LDL delivers fat wherever it is needed. LDL is the “bad” cholesterol that are prone to damage by free radicals through a process called oxidization within the walls of arteries. Oxidized LDL is even more harmful to health, raising the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack or stroke.
Our blood test reports LDL-C, the average amount of cholesterol estimated to be contained within LDL particles. LDL-C is calculated by measuring total cholesterol, HDL-C, and triglycerides. For patients with triglycerides more than 400, LDL-C test is not accurate. Other conditions such as severe cirrhosis also make the test inaccurate. For persons with high LDL-C, measuring oxidized LDL, a more expensive test, can provide better estimate for disease risk.
Risks associated with high LDL levels
Intervention tips for lowering LDL
There are many natural ways to lower your cholesterol levels when they are borderline high but medications may be required when your cholesterol levels are high.
If your cholesterol is high, please consult with a physician to choose the best intervention for you.
Further reading