LDL, HDL And Triglycerides
The arteries are the main instruments that supplies blood to the heart and the brain. When the LDL level increases they accumulate on the walls of arteries. This may result in the production of what is known as plaque. The main problem with these plaques is that they dump in to arteries and make them rigid thus arteries lose their elasticity. This would result in condition known as atherosclerosis. It increases the risk of getting stroke which occurs in brain and also heart diseases.
HDL cholesterol is otherwise called as good cholesterol. The main functions of HDL are, it transports half the amount of blood cholesterol and if it is present in lager amount it defend against heart attack. If the amount of HDL decreases i.e. less than 40mg/dL the danger of getting heart disorders increases.
The other type of cholesterol present in blood in addition to LDL and HDL is the triglycerides. They function the same way as the LDL cholesterol. The level of triglycerides increases with increase in the level of LDL and it is understood that the level of HDL is low.
The large amount of triglycerides in blood results in diabetes and heart disorders. LDL or bad cholesterol is also called as Lp (a), if it is formed from the genetic difference. If these cholesterol are present in large amounts, they may settle as fat on the walls of arteries and will result in risk of getting heart disease.
How to test lipid profile?
The test for cholesterol is otherwise called as lipid profile test. This test result shows the amount of LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and Lp (a) present in blood. A normal person must undergo this test during his regular physical test. For a person who already has high level of LDL must have control of his lipid profile. The reduction of LDL can be easily done by drug treatments which involve statins, exercises, and maintaining good diet.
A person may get heart disease if his age is 45 years or above (men), and 55 or above (women). If a person has habits such as smoking, large intake of alcohol, being overweight and poor diet he may be at a greater risk of getting heart disease. If a person has low level of HDL cholesterol (40mg/dL), hypertension and hereditary heart disease, he may be having greater risk of getting heart disease.