What is HDL vs LDL?

What is HDL vs LDL?

HDL helps rid your body of excess cholesterol so it's less likely to end up in your arteries. LDL is called “bad cholesterol” because it takes cholesterol to your arteries, where it may collect in artery walls. Too much cholesterol in your arteries may lead to a buildup of plaque known as atherosclerosis.

Is a 1.7 LDL HDL ratio good?

Doctors calculate an individual's cholesterol ratio by dividing their total cholesterol by their high-density lipoprotein level. The optimal ratio is between 3.5 and 1. A higher ratio increases the risk of heart disease.

What is a normal LDL reading?

Ideally, LDL cholesterol levels should be less than 100 mg/dl. Doctors may not express concern about levels of 100–129 mg/dl for people with no health issues, but they may suggest treatment at this stage for people with heart disease or its risk factors.

What is a good triglyceride level?

A simple blood test can reveal whether your triglycerides fall into a healthy range: Normal — Less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or less than 1.7 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) Borderline high — 1 mg/dL (1.8 to 2.2 mmol/L) High — 2 mg/dL (2.3 to 5.6 mmol/L)

Which is worse triglycerides or LDL?

LDL is known as the “bad” cholesterol because having too much LDL may cause a buildup of plaque in your blood vessels. Triglycerides are also a type of fat found in your blood. High triglycerides, low HDL, and/or high LDL numbers can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke.

Which is better high LDL or HDL?

There are two types: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). As a general rule, HDL is considered “good” cholesterol, while LDL is considered “bad.” This is because HDL carries cholesterol to your liver, where it can be removed from your bloodstream before it builds up in your arteries.

How do I read my cholesterol results?

What Do the Test Results Mean?

1. LDL: mg/dL (the lower the number, the better)
2. HDL: more than 40 to 60 mg/dL (the higher the number, the better)
3. total cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL (the lower the number, the better)
4. triglycerides: mg/dL (the lower the number, the better)

What's a good HDL number?

When it comes to HDL cholesterol, higher numbers are better....What are optimal levels of HDL cholesterol?

	At risk	Desirable
Men	Less than 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L)	60 mg/dL (1.6 mmol/L) or above
Women	Less than 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L)	60 mg/dL (1.6 mmol/L) or above

What is the fastest way to lower LDL cholesterol?

1. Eat heart-healthy foods

1. Reduce saturated fats. Saturated fats, found primarily in red meat and full-fat dairy products, raise your total cholesterol. ...
2. Eliminate trans fats. ...
3. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. ...
4. Increase soluble fiber. ...
5. Add whey protein.

How to increase HDL without increasing LDL?

• Regular exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and can also increase HDL cholesterol levels. Aerobic exercises, such as running, biking, and swimming, along with moderate weight training are good choices to help best boost those good cholesterol levels.

What is the ideal HDL and LDL levels?

• HDL helps take LDL cholesterol out of the arteries. Thus, it helps blood to circulate without restraint. Due to this advantage, a substantial quantity is much better when it comes to HDL levels. A score below 40 mg per dL (1 mmol/L) for men and 50 mg per dL (1.3 mmol/L) for women is known to be low.

Does HDL get rid of LDL?

• HDL is often called good cholesterol because it can help your body get rid of LDL. As HDL moves through your arteries, it picks up excess cholesterol and delivers it to your liver. From your liver, it is either used to make bile, the digestive juice that helps digest fats, or excreted from the body.