What is Good Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, thick, fat-like substance that is made in the liver. The body uses this substance for tissues, cells, and membranes to produce acids to aid digestion, regulate hormone levels, and process vitamin D. The body needs and uses only a small amount of cholesterol, which is why it is important to keep cholesterol levels in check. Excess amounts end up being stored in the arteries, and can lead to health problems, such as coronary heart disease. That being said, it is important to note that not all cholesterol is necessarily bad. There is a “good” form of cholesterol known as “HDL”.
HDL cholesterol, or High Density Lipoprotein, is the only type of cholesterol that should actually be relatively high. The body uses HDL to return extra cholesterol to the liver so that it can be eliminated by the gastrointestinal system. This means HDL actually assists in the removal of plague producing cholesterol that can lead to blocked and diseased arteries.
HDL levels are monitored much in the same way the other types of cholesterol is monitored; through a simple blood test during a routine physical examination. This type of blood test is often referred to as a lipid profile, and it measures HDL, LDL and triglyceride levels to give a total cholesterol number. The doctor then uses this information to determine a patient’s specific risk for heart disease.
Regular cholesterol screening is important for everyone, especially those who are considered to be “high risk”. High-risk patients include those with a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, smokers, people with high blood pressure, people who are over weight, and people who are diabetic. There is a bit of wiggle room in the total cholesterol number, however a standard guideline for HDL is 60 mg/dL or higher, but not less than 40 mg/dL. Levels below this number are considered to be too low and the patient is at a higher risk of developing medical problems.
Unlike LDL and triglycerides, HDL levels are more affected by lifestyle than diet or heredity. Factors such as being over weight, smoking, and sedentary habits have been directly linked to low HDL levels. Simple changes such as losing a bit of weight, getting more exercise, and stopping smoking can raise HDL levels quite easily. The key to obtaining and maintaining a healthy total cholesterol score is to keep HDL levels high, and LDL and triglyercides low. This means you have to make both dietary and lifestyle changes. If for various reasons these changes do not work, your doctor may have to provide you with an alternative form of treatment, such as prescribing medication to help steady your levels.
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