Cholesterol Response

What is LDL cholesterol?

LDL is Low Density Lipoprotein.  It is the major carrier of cholesterol in the bloodstream.  LDL is the delivery method of cholesterol to the rest of the body.  It is like a UPS truck, dropping off cholesterol to all the different cells and organs throughout the body.  Without LDL we would not be able to function.  Our body needs cholesterol to operate properly and LDL makes that possible.

So now that has all been said, what I tell you next will shock you…  LDL is the "Bad Guy" when it comes to cholesterol.

Here is the reason why it is called the bad guy, or bad cholesterol.  Our body for the most part is a closed loop system, what you put in must be taken out.  If this does not happen in equal proportions (minus the cholesterol the body actually consumes) then there will either be a buildup of cholesterol inside the system or a shortage of cholesterol. 

Since LDL is doing all the delivering of cholesterol to every nook and cranny of the body it would make sense that having a higher than normal LDL level could tip the scale of balance inside your body.  This is certainly true.  High levels of LDL which causes a surplus of cholesterol can slowly build up in the walls of arteries.  These arteries are feeding your internal organs like the heart and the brain.  Since cholesterol is wax like in substance it "grabs" other substances as they pass through the blood vessels. 

When this combining of cholesterol and other substances occurs it can create a thick, hard plaque that sticks to the sides of the arterial wall.  Once this takes place it is called Atherosclerosis.  If this plaque builds up enough or develops into a clot it can block the blood flow to the heart and cause a heart attack.  The same thing can happen to an artery that is going to the brain, if a significant blockage occurs here a stroke can develop.

To be considered a high level, LDL has to be higher than 160 mg/dL.  Once this occurs it signifies a higher risk of heart disease which could cause among other things both a heart attack and/or a stroke.

If you are diagnosed with Heart Disease your LDL levels should be maintained at under 100 mg/dL. 

Ultimately this is why LDL is referred to as the "BAD" cholesterol.  The lower the levels of LDL in your body, the lower your risk for heart disease…