Skip to main content

The Differences Between Good and Bad Cholesterol

The Differences Between Good and Bad Cholesterol

High cholesterol has long been one of the leading health problems in the United States. Across the country, some 95 million adults have high cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. But our bodies naturally produce cholesterol, and it’s found in many foods, including foods that fit into a healthy, balanced diet.

One key to sorting this all out is understanding the different types of cholesterol. There’s both “good” and “bad” cholesterol, but the difference between the two may not be clear. Learning the difference can help you understand the results of your next lipid panel and better manage your cholesterol.

With his extensive experience, Dr. Shawn Veiseh can help you manage high cholesterol and understand the potential health consequences.

What is good cholesterol?

Cholesterol travels through the blood on special proteins known as “lipoprotein.” One of those types of lipoprotein is called HDL, or high density lipoprotein. HDL absorbs cholesterol and takes it to the liver, where it’s flushed out of your body.

HDL plays an important role in reducing the amount of “bad” cholesterol in your bloodstream, which protects you from dangers like heart disease and stroke. Though high cholesterol is itself a health issue, it’s also possible to have too little HDL cholesterol. You need HDL to maintain a healthy level of cholesterol in your bloodstream.

What is bad cholesterol?

Cholesterol also travels on low density lipoproteins (LDL), also known as “bad” cholesterol. LDL makes up most of the cholesterol in your body. 

If you have a high level of LDL cholesterol, plaque can build up in your blood vessels. This leads to a narrowing and hardening of your arteries, which blocks the flow of blood to your heart and other organs. The long-term consequences of high LDL cholesterol can be very serious, including stroke and heart disease.

Though you may be genetically more likely to have high cholesterol than others, your lifestyle and habits usually play a role. Common contributors include an unhealthy diet and not getting enough exercise. Your risk increases with age, and other health conditions like diabetes can raise your risk as well. 

How is bad cholesterol treated?

Your lifestyle is a good start. For example, you can lower your salt intake and work more healthy fats into your diet, like avocados, fish, and nuts. If you’re carrying excess weight, losing weight through exercise can control your cholesterol and improve blood flow. Your habits also affect your cholesterol, so you should drink alcohol in moderation (if at all) and quit all forms of tobacco.

Depending on your condition, Dr. Veiseh may recommend medication to reduce bad cholesterol or raise your good cholesterol, including statins, niacin, and fibrates. These medications are most effective when you combine them with lifestyle changes.

To arrange a cholesterol blood test or get help on managing your cholesterol, make an appointment with Dr. Veiseh online or over the phone.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Understanding the Difference Between LDL and HDL

Understanding the Difference Between LDL and HDL

With high cholesterol being such a common threat to your health, it’s easy to see all cholesterol as bad for you. The truth is a bit more complicated than that, so let’s look at the types of cholesterol and their differences.
What Can I Expect During a Treadmill Stress Test?

What Can I Expect During a Treadmill Stress Test?

Heart health is essential for overall health and quality of life, but there are lots of conditions that can increase your risk of heart disease. Diagnostic tests, such as treadmill stress tests are important in checking for heart disease.
I Feel Tired All the Time. Do I Need a B12 Shot?

I Feel Tired All the Time. Do I Need a B12 Shot?

There are a lot of reasons you may feel tired all the time, including working too hard, stressing out, not getting proper rest, or missing important nutrients. A vitamin B12 deficiency could be causing your fatigue, and here’s why.
5 Simple Steps to Manage Diabetes

5 Simple Steps to Manage Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects millions and can lead to a wide range of dangerous complications if not properly treated. To avoid the dangers of this illness, you need to know how to manage it. Read on to learn more.
4 Subtle Signs of High Blood Pressure in Women

4 Subtle Signs of High Blood Pressure in Women

Blood pressure is vital to cardiovascular health, and hypertension can compromise that and lead to many medical problems. Some of the signs of this condition are different in women, and you should know what they are.
How Is Gout Different From Other Types of Arthritis?

How Is Gout Different From Other Types of Arthritis?

Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects your joints, and millions of people suffer from it. Gout is a form of arthritis, but there are some interesting differences in how it affects your body. Read on to find out more.