HDL vs. LDL cholesterol: Differences, ranges, and ratios

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol, collects in the walls of the blood vessels, causing them to narrow. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol, moves LDL cholesterol out of the bloodstream.

The two main types of cholesterol are high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. Some cholesterol is needed in the body, but high levels can be dangerous.

Along with smoking and high blood pressure, raised blood cholesterol is one of the main risk factors for heart disease. People can reduce their blood cholesterol with a healthful diet, exercise, and medication.

In this article, we look at HDL and LDL in detail, including what makes one good and the other bad, as well as what a person can do to keep levels in check.

LDL cholesterol is often called bad cholesterol. If there is too much LDL cholesterol in the blood, it builds up in the walls of the blood vessels, causing them to narrow and stiffen.

A buildup of LDL cholesterol reduces blood flow and can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

HDL or good cholesterol can move LDL cholesterol from the blood to the liver, which breaks it down for disposal as waste. HDL cholesterol is referred to as good cholesterol because it reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood.

Higher HDL levels are linked to a reduced risk of heart attack and heart disease.

In the United States, cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). The guidelines for healthy cholesterol levels are as follows:

• total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL
• LDL cholesterol less than 100 mg/dL
• HDL cholesterol above 40 mg/dL for men and above 50 mg/dL for women

Different regions and countries may have varying guidelines, so it is wise to speak to a doctor about the most accurate and up-to-date ranges.

The total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio is way to calculate cardiovascular risk. A high total cholesterol to HDL ratio indicates a higher risk for heart disease. It can be measured by dividing the total cholesterol by the HDL level.

A desirable ratio is 5:1, and an optimal ratio is 3.5:1. The lower this number is, the healthier a person’s cholesterol levels are.

Total cholesterol does fluctuate, so more than one blood test might be required for an accurate assessment. Levels can change following a meal, so sometimes a blood test will be taken first thing in the morning before a person has breakfast.

Studies suggest that the total cholesterol to HDL ratio is a better marker of the risk of heart disease than LDL cholesterol levels alone.

Non-HDL cholesterol

Another method of assessing cholesterol levels is calculating a non-HDL cholesterol level. This is measured by subtracting HDL cholesterol from the total cholesterol.

This method is considered to be more accurate by some doctors because it includes very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels in the calculation.

Similarly to LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol can also build up inside the walls of blood vessels, which is undesirable.

Ideally, a non-HDL cholesterol level should be less than 130 mg/dL. A higher value than that increases the risk for heart disease.

Causes of high LDL cholesterol include:

• Eating a diet high in saturated fat: Diets high in saturated fats can increase LDL cholesterol levels.
• Inactivity: Not getting enough exercise can lead to weight gain, which is linked to increased cholesterol levels.
• Obesity: People who are overweight have an increased risk of high cholesterol levels.
• Medical conditions: Some of these that can affect LDL cholesterol levels include type 2 diabetes, underactive thyroid, liver conditions, and alcohol addiction.
• Menopause: For some women, cholesterol levels can rise after menopause.
• Genetics: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited form of high cholesterol that puts people at risk of early heart disease.

The following lifestyle changes can help lower LDL cholesterol and help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease:

• maintaining a healthy weight
• exercising regularly
• quitting smoking
• using statin therapy when prescribed

People trying to lower their LDL cholesterol should also avoid eating saturated and trans fats. (Note: trans fats have been banned in the United states since 2018.) Foods high in saturated fat include:

• beef
• lamb
• pork
• poultry, especially with skin
• beef fat (tallow)
• lard and cream
• butter
• cheese
• ice cream
• coconut
• palm oil
• palm kernel oil
• some baked and fried foods

Other diet tips to prevent LDL levels creeping up include:

• Switch fat sources: Swap saturated fats for nut and seed oils or monounsaturated fats from olive, avocado, and canola oil.
• Increase fiber intake: A diet high in fiber is believed to be good for total blood cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber found in fruits, vegetables, and oats is particularly beneficial.

A variety of things can improve HDL cholesterol levels, including:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids can lower blood cholesterol when consumed as part of a balanced diet. The highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids are in oily fish, such as mackerel, trout, herring, sardines, fresh tuna, salmon, and halibut. The American Heart Association recommends eating 2 servings of fish (particularly fatty fish) per week.
• Regular exercise: Research shows that exercise and physical activity can raise HDL levels.

High LDL cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease, but it can often occur without any symptoms.

It is recommended that people over 40 years of age arrange a blood test to check their cholesterol levels and total cholesterol to HDL ratio.

Dietary and lifestyle changes can make a big difference to HDL and LDL levels. If they do not improve with these changes, a doctor may recommend medications.

HDL vs. LDL cholesterol: Differences, ranges, and ratios

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol, collects in the walls of the blood vessels, causing them to narrow. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol, moves LDL cholesterol out of the bloodstream.

The two main types of cholesterol are high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. Some cholesterol is needed in the body, but high levels can be dangerous.

Along with smoking and high blood pressure, raised blood cholesterol is one of the main risk factors for heart disease. People can reduce their blood cholesterol with a healthful diet, exercise, and medication.

In this article, we look at HDL and LDL in detail, including what makes one good and the other bad, as well as what a person can do to keep levels in check.

LDL cholesterol is often called bad cholesterol. If there is too much LDL cholesterol in the blood, it builds up in the walls of the blood vessels, causing them to narrow and stiffen.

A buildup of LDL cholesterol reduces blood flow and can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

HDL or good cholesterol can move LDL cholesterol from the blood to the liver, which breaks it down for disposal as waste. HDL cholesterol is referred to as good cholesterol because it reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood.

Higher HDL levels are linked to a reduced risk of heart attack and heart disease.

In the United States, cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). The guidelines for healthy cholesterol levels are as follows:

• total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL
• LDL cholesterol less than 100 mg/dL
• HDL cholesterol above 40 mg/dL for men and above 50 mg/dL for women

Different regions and countries may have varying guidelines, so it is wise to speak to a doctor about the most accurate and up-to-date ranges.

The total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio is way to calculate cardiovascular risk. A high total cholesterol to HDL ratio indicates a higher risk for heart disease. It can be measured by dividing the total cholesterol by the HDL level.

A desirable ratio is 5:1, and an optimal ratio is 3.5:1. The lower this number is, the healthier a person’s cholesterol levels are.

Total cholesterol does fluctuate, so more than one blood test might be required for an accurate assessment. Levels can change following a meal, so sometimes a blood test will be taken first thing in the morning before a person has breakfast.

Studies suggest that the total cholesterol to HDL ratio is a better marker of the risk of heart disease than LDL cholesterol levels alone.

Non-HDL cholesterol

Another method of assessing cholesterol levels is calculating a non-HDL cholesterol level. This is measured by subtracting HDL cholesterol from the total cholesterol.

This method is considered to be more accurate by some doctors because it includes very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels in the calculation.

Similarly to LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol can also build up inside the walls of blood vessels, which is undesirable.

Ideally, a non-HDL cholesterol level should be less than 130 mg/dL. A higher value than that increases the risk for heart disease.

Causes of high LDL cholesterol include:

• Eating a diet high in saturated fat: Diets high in saturated fats can increase LDL cholesterol levels.
• Inactivity: Not getting enough exercise can lead to weight gain, which is linked to increased cholesterol levels.
• Obesity: People who are overweight have an increased risk of high cholesterol levels.
• Medical conditions: Some of these that can affect LDL cholesterol levels include type 2 diabetes, underactive thyroid, liver conditions, and alcohol addiction.
• Menopause: For some women, cholesterol levels can rise after menopause.
• Genetics: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited form of high cholesterol that puts people at risk of early heart disease.

The following lifestyle changes can help lower LDL cholesterol and help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease:

• maintaining a healthy weight
• exercising regularly
• quitting smoking
• using statin therapy when prescribed

People trying to lower their LDL cholesterol should also avoid eating saturated and trans fats. (Note: trans fats have been banned in the United states since 2018.) Foods high in saturated fat include:

• beef
• lamb
• pork
• poultry, especially with skin
• beef fat (tallow)
• lard and cream
• butter
• cheese
• ice cream
• coconut
• palm oil
• palm kernel oil
• some baked and fried foods

Other diet tips to prevent LDL levels creeping up include:

• Switch fat sources: Swap saturated fats for nut and seed oils or monounsaturated fats from olive, avocado, and canola oil.
• Increase fiber intake: A diet high in fiber is believed to be good for total blood cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber found in fruits, vegetables, and oats is particularly beneficial.

A variety of things can improve HDL cholesterol levels, including:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids can lower blood cholesterol when consumed as part of a balanced diet. The highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids are in oily fish, such as mackerel, trout, herring, sardines, fresh tuna, salmon, and halibut. The American Heart Association recommends eating 2 servings of fish (particularly fatty fish) per week.
• Regular exercise: Research shows that exercise and physical activity can raise HDL levels.

High LDL cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease, but it can often occur without any symptoms.

It is recommended that people over 40 years of age arrange a blood test to check their cholesterol levels and total cholesterol to HDL ratio.

Dietary and lifestyle changes can make a big difference to HDL and LDL levels. If they do not improve with these changes, a doctor may recommend medications.

Cholesterol: good or bad | Philips

There is an established belief in our society that cholesterol is unequivocally bad. Advertisers contributed to the spread of this myth among the masses. Remember the commercial for sunflower oil, in which the mother-in-law fries something using butter, and the daughter-in-law laments because of her choice. Then the mother-in-law throws in her hearts: “Everyone has become smart! You won’t please!” That oil was sold with a message – without cholesterol, implying benefits for the body. But is cholesterol as bad as it is painted?

Cholesterol, or cholesterol (because it is an aromatic alcohol) was the main substance of atherosclerotic plaque, but not the only one. The cholesterol theory became the dominant theory of the development of atherosclerosis for a long time. Doctors and scientists perceived atherosclerosis (the formation of plaques in the lumen of the vessel) as a simple deposition of it on the walls of the arteries. A lot of cholesterol – a lot of deposits, little cholesterol – few deposits. However, very soon data began to accumulate that contradicted the cholesterol theory. Some people with high blood cholesterol did not have atherosclerotic plaques at all, while others with low cholesterol died from cardiovascular accidents at a young age.

The fact is that cholesterol is not an independent substance in our body. It is insoluble in water, and in order to travel through the blood, it binds to certain proteins, forming protein-fat complexes called lipoproteins. Let’s consider two main types of lipoproteins: low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL).

The protein in the composition of these complexes determines the properties that these particles will have. In HDL, one type of protein determines the property of the particle to take cholesterol from cholesterol deposits in the walls of blood vessels and send it to the liver for processing. And in LDL, it packs cholesterol in such a way that these loose molecules easily attach to the walls of arteries (especially to the walls of damaged ones) and form a plaque.

Cholesterol does not itself cause atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is manifested due to the ratio of HDL and LDL in human blood. If the balance is shifted towards HDL, then plaques will not form and vice versa.

Cholesterol comes from animal foods. But its total blood level does not depend much on the amount of cholesterol received from food. For example, the Indian subcontinent (India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan) has the highest levels of blood cholesterol, although there is the highest percentage of vegetarians (all plant products do not contain cholesterol).

HDL and LDL levels depend primarily on your genetics. However, lifestyle, proper nutrition and regular physical activity change the ratio of LDL / HDL in the right direction. There is no need to limit foods containing cholesterol. Simply, it so happened that many cholesterol-containing products change the ratio of lipipiroteids in a bad way. For example, excessive consumption of red meat. However, excessive consumption of sweets (often containing no cholesterol at all) can increase the production of LDL.

Some doctors do not recommend taking statins on the grounds that if cholesterol is not to blame, then it is not necessary to lower its level. But according to the latest data, you need to lower your LDL levels, which is what statins do. In addition, statins have an independent pleiotropic effect. They reduce inflammation in the vascular wall, which is now considered the main cause of vascular accidents (strokes, heart attacks, sudden death, etc.).

In general, be smart and don’t believe unverified myths. Do not be afraid of cholesterol in food, follow the recommendations on proper nutrition and physical activity, monitor your weight, regularly check the level of HDL and LDL in the blood, monitor the condition of the heart and blood vessels and be healthy.

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HDL (high density lipoprotein) – good cholesterol

1. increase unsaturated fatty acids (olive oil, fish oil, linseed oil, nuts) 10,000 steps daily, swimming, jogging, cardio, dancing, etc. at least 300 minutes per week in total)
2. increase small doses of alcohol
3. increase fiber (fruits, vegetables and whole grain wheat products)

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) – Bad cholesterol

1. increase foods high in saturated fats (red meat, sausages, hard cheeses, lard, flour confectionery, cakes, biscuits and cream)
2. increases sedentary image
3. increases excess weight (especially belly fat deposits)
4. increases hydrogenated vegetable fats (trans fats) (margarine, fast food)

Cholesterol is not bad | KGBUZ “City Hospital No. 5, Barnaul”

People with extremely high levels of “good” cholesterol are significantly more at risk of premature death than those whose level is within the normal range. Recall that cholesterol is “bad” (it is also called low-density lipoprotein, LDL) and “good” (high-density lipoprotein, HDL). LDL settles on the walls of blood vessels, forming plaques that slow down blood circulation and lead to a decrease in the elasticity of blood vessels and their blockage. HDL, on the contrary, removes atheromatous plaques and helps transport them to the liver, where they are oxidized to bile acids that are excreted in the bile.

“Doctors are accustomed to congratulating patients with very high levels of “good” cholesterol in the blood. But we should no longer be doing this, as the new study shows an association between high HDL levels and mortality,” said Børge G. Nordestgaard, professor in the Department of Clinical Medicine at Copenhagen University, who led the study.

The researchers based their study on data provided by the Copenhagen Center for Population Research and the Danish Civil Registry. As a result, more than ten thousand deaths of people over the past six years were analyzed.

A lot of good is also bad

By calculating the mortality rate, the researchers found that men with extremely high HDL levels have a 106% higher mortality rate than men with normal levels of the substance in the blood. In women, an excess of HDL increased the risk of premature death by 68%. As it turned out, not only high HDL levels are dangerous: its extremely low level is also associated with serious health risks and early mortality.

The most optimal HDL level is medium. People with this level have the maximum life expectancy. For men, the average HDL level is considered to be 1.9mmol / l, for women – 2.4 mmol / l.

Norms of cholesterol in the blood

According to generally accepted data, different types of cholesterol should be in the following range:

· total cholesterol — no more than 5 mmol/l;

“poor” – not more than 3 mmol/l;

“good” – not less than 1.5 mmol/L.

The formation and increase in the level of cholesterol in the blood is caused by the activity of the liver and the walls of the small intestine, which produce approximately 80% of the required amount of cholesterol. The remaining 20% ​​must come from food. The body naturally lowers cholesterol every day by oxidizing about 0.45 grams of it in the liver to bile acids. Approximately the same amount is lost with faeces. Up to 0.1 gram goes with sebum, another part of cholesterol is spent on the production of hormones and vitamin D. In a healthy body, metabolic processes are balanced and do not cause an increase in cholesterol levels in the blood or inside the cell, regardless of the diet: when eating fatty foods in large quantities, the production of one’s own cholesterol stops until a balance is established.

Why you need “bad” cholesterol

It may seem that “bad” cholesterol is not needed at all, but in fact it is not. Even “bad” cholesterol is vital for the human body, and it is impossible to exclude foods containing it from the diet. It is an essential structural component in all animal cell membranes and is essential for maintaining the structural integrity and fluidity of membranes. In addition, “bad” cholesterol protects nerve fibers, helps to establish a balance in digestion, and also has a positive effect on the state of the immune system of the human body. LDL is also involved in the production of the hormones testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.

Low cholesterol can also lead to complications during pregnancy. For example, it has been found that at least 5% of pregnant women with low cholesterol have preterm birth.

So why is he “bad” if he is so important? A high level of LDL in the blood leads to the development of atherosclerosis, which provokes heart attacks, kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, erectile dysfunction, Alzheimer’s disease.

Risk groups

There are certain groups of people who are most susceptible to developing atherosclerosis. An unhealthy ratio of “bad” and “good” cholesterol negatively affects the state of the body, especially with significant deviations from the norm. More often than others, people with high weight suffer from an imbalance of HDL and LDL. Men over 40 and postmenopausal women are also at risk. The growth of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels also provokes

sedentary lifestyle, smoking, fatty diet, alcohol abuse.