Cholesterol, HDL and LDL: What's the Difference?

Millions of Americans are combating high cholesterol. Many of them know their numbers. But very few understand the difference in HDL and LDL cholesterol.

First let's just get familiar with the initials. HDL stands for High Density Lipids. LDL stands for Low Density Lipids. And what exactly are lipids anyway? Well, I'm glad you asked. Lipids are essentially fatty, oily, waxy substances that the body uses to make cell membranes and some assist in sleep among other things. But lipids are basically fats.

Good fats and bad fats Yes, there is such a thing as "good" fats. But to help you tell the difference, there is one little trick you should know. Remember HDL and LDL? Well, HDLs are helpful and LDLs are lazy.

HDL the lowdown HDL cholesterol is a hardworking lipid that is constantly picking up after his lazy brother LDL. HDL cholesterol cleans up about one-fourth to one-third of blood cholesterol and escorts it to the liver. The liver then processes the cholesterol and passes it safely out of the body. Some experts even believe that HDL pulls cholesterol out of already existing plaque deposits, slowing their growth and lowering the risk of stroke or heart attack. A high HDL level may prevent heart attacks. But, a low HDL level (less the 40 milligrams per deciliter) is considered a risk factor for stroke or heart attack.

HDL's Lazy Brother Whereas HDL cholesterol is a constant cleaning machine, LDL just likes to loaf and hang out. The problem is that LDL will hang out in the most convenient place-your arteries. As LDL just likes to hang around in the arteries, the more you get of him, the more problematic he becomes. LDL cholesterol just compacts there in the arteries becoming plaque. The plaque constricts the passage of blood through the arteries and can eventually break off and form a clot, leading to a stroke or heart attack. So high LDL cholesterol (anything over 160mg/dL) increases the risk of heart disease.