Understanding Good vs. Bad Cholesterol (HDL vs. LDL Cholesterol)
High LDL cholesterol increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Over 30 percent of adults in the United States have high cholesterol, which typically means their total cholesterol is at or above 200 mg/dL. Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your body’s cells. Your liver makes it, and you do need some amount of cholesterol for specific body functions. The problem is when you have too much cholesterol. More specifically, elevated LDL cholesterol is typically concerning.
Not sure if you have high cholesterol? Ask your primary care doctor about having a cholesterol screening. Healthy adults should seek a cholesterol test about every four to six years so they can know their risk. If you have abnormal results or have many risk factors for heart disease, your doctor may recommend more frequent testing.
- Jennifer Haythe, MDDr. Haythe is a Cardiologist at Columbia University's Irving Medical Center.
References
American Heart Association. (2020). Atherosclerosis.
Bailey, A., et al. (2021). Biochemistry, high density lipoprotein. StatPearls [Internet[.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Getting your cholesterol checked.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Cholesterol information.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). How and when to have your cholesterol checked.
MedlinePlus. (2020). Cholesterol levels: what you need to know.