Because high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can have a negative impact on your health, including increasing your risk of developing arterial blockages, many people mistakenly assume that all cholesterol is bad. Surprisingly, some cholesterol is good. In fact, your body needs cholesterol to produce certain hormones.
So what makes cholesterol good or bad? It depends on whether the cholesterol in question is high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Here, the team of surgeons and medical staff at Vascular Specialists explain the difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance your liver makes, and it plays a role in producing vitamin D and hormones and supporting your digestive system. Your liver isn’t the only way you get cholesterol. You can also take in cholesterol through food, especially animal products such as red meat and dairy.
Cholesterol moves through your body while it’s inside lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are made of fat and protein and carry the cholesterol throughout your bloodstream. A simple blood test reveals your cholesterol levels. What people refer to as “bad” cholesterol is low-density lipoprotein or LDL, while the “good” cholesterol is high-density lipoprotein or HDL.
Having too much LDL cholesterol and not enough HDL cholesterol can lead to blood vessel damage and arterial blockages δΈ€ both of which increase your risk of serious cardiac events, such as heart attack and stroke.
HDL carries cholesterol to your liver, where your liver eventually releases it from your body. Remember, your liver acts as a filter in your body. HDL is considered a good type of cholesterol because it helps eliminate excess cholesterol via your liver so there’s less in your system that could potentially clog your arteries.
While HDL takes cholesterol to your liver to get removed from your body, LDL does the opposite. It takes the excess cholesterol to your arteries.
If too much cholesterol ends up in your arteries, it can contribute to:
Unfortunately, plaque buildup can also contribute to reduced blood flow to your limbs. This is known as peripheral artery disease, and it can cause leg cramps, leg pain, skin rashes, numbness, and slow-healing wounds.
If you have high cholesterol, it’s important to manage the condition to reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. The tried-and-true methods for managing high cholesterol include exercise, losing weight, and medication if needed.
In addition to managing your cholesterol levels, it’s important to address any complications of high cholesterol, including arterial blockages or peripheral arterial disease.
Our team is experienced in treating all aspects of your vascular system, and that includes opening clogged arteries, restoring blood flow compromised by peripheral artery disease, and treating leg wounds.
Depending on your case, we may suggest lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, medication, or various surgical procedures, such as atherectomy or a balloon angioplasty and stenting.
If you have concerns about high cholesterol or if you’re concerned about the damage that it may have already caused, give us a call at 815-824-4406 or use our online appointment request tool to schedule your consultation at either our Tinley Park or Evergreen Park, Illinois, location.
