Cholesterol

What other molecules in a patient's blood are monitored along with LDL and HDL?

- triglycerides - blood sugar level - total cholesterol

How are concentrations of LDL and HDL associated with the risk for heart disease and associated disorders?

An excess of LDL can result in plaque buildup on arterial walls which can result in atheroscerlosis. That is the hardening of the arteries and can lead to heart diseases like a heart attack or stroke. Unlike LDL, higher HDL levels can actually lower the risk of heart disease.

How does intake of unsaturated, saturated, and trans fats affect cholesterol levels and overall health?

Eating saturated fats raises your LDL. Avoiding saturated fats and trans fats will help to lower total cholesterol as well as the LDL levels. However, eating a diet containing many saturated or trans fat will also raise total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. A diet high in saturated fats is the main cause of high-blood cholesterol levels, but an overall high-cholesterol diet can also raise cholesterol levels.

What do the results of a cholesterol test mean? How do patients interpret each value?

From a cholesterol test, you receive measures of the total blood cholesterol level, the LDL cholesterol level, the HDL cholesterol level, and the triglyceride level. Results of a cholesterol test tells a patient of their risk for heart disease. Depending on the the category, patients should interpret each value differently as each category's results mean different things.

What are LDL and HDL?

LDL - low-density lipoprotein (transports cholesterol to and from the cells), takes cholesterol to the cells from the liver; high levels can lead to buildup in the arteries and result in heart disease HDL - high-density lipoprotein, removes excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and takes it back to the liver; can reduce risk of heart disease and stroke

How do LDL and HDL differ structurally and functionally?

LDL: - 50% cholesterol - 25% protein HDL: - 20% cholesterol - 50% protein -- Protein is more dense than fat

What can patients do to change the levels of LDL and HDL in their blood?

Patients can begin to maintain a diet that is low in sodium and fats. Change in diet will increase HDL levels in the blood while reducing LDL levels. Reducing the amount of saturated fats and sodium can also result in the reduction of LDL and an increase in HDL. Physical activity and exercise can also increase HDL levels and decrease LDL levels.

Why do doctors monitor the concentrations of LDL and HDL in patients' blood

To help evaluate the patient's risk of heart disease