Heart Health: Understanding the good and bad cholesterol

Taking care of your heart is incredibly important and keeping it in tip-top shape while also understanding the role played by your cholesterol, is a whole paramount.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fatlike substance that is found in your blood. Even though some may think otherwise, cholesterol is not inherently as “bad” as you might think, as it is essential to your body, which needs it to build cells and make vitamins, as well as other hormones¹. Cholesterol can be obtained from two sources: Your liver and your diet.

The good and bad cholesterol

There are two main types of cholesterol:

Good Cholesterol
“High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as ‘good’ cholesterol absorbs cholesterol in the blood carries it back to the liver²”. HDL acts as a scavenger in the bloodstream, picking up excess cholesterol from cells and tissues and transporting it to the liver for elimination. This process helps prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries. High levels of HDL are associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. It is believed that HDL helps reduce inflammation and improves blood vessel function.

Bad Cholesterol
“Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol known as ‘bad’ cholesterol, makes up most of your body’s cholesterol”². LDL carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells throughout the body. However, too much LDL in the bloodstream can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries. Plaque, also known as fatty deposits, can cause the inside of the arteries to narrow over time, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis². LDL cholesterol particles can become oxidized, triggering an inflammatory response in the arterial walls, further contributing to atherosclerosis.

Consequences of high cholesterol

High cholesterol can increase your risk of health issues and if left untreated, it can lead to a higher risk or complications with:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Artery disease
• High blood pressure³

Therefore, maintaining a healthy balance between HDL and LDL cholesterol is crucial for the overall cardiovascular health. Adopting a heart-healthy diet, practicing regular physical activities, managing stress levels, or even quitting smoking can help managing your cholesterol level.

Don’t wait until it’s too late; getting your cholesterol checked regularly is an important action to stay in control of your cholesterol health.

Reference list:

1. What is cholesterol? (2023) www.heart.org. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol (Accessed: 27 September 2023).
2. LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides (2023) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/ldl_hdl.htm (Accessed: 27 September 2023).
3. Consequences of high cholesterol - american heart association. Available at: https://www.heart.org/-/media/Files/Health-Topics/Cholesterol/Consequences-of-high-cholesterol.pdf (Accessed: 28 September 2023).