What is a Lipoprotein.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance in nature, and does not dissolve in blood. It therefore needs a vehicle or a carrier to transport it through the blood. It piggy rides on the protein to facilitate its transport through the blood and this combination is called Lipoprotein.
What is LDL Cholesterol or Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol.
This is a combination of Lipo (fat) and proteins and hence the name. Low Density Lipoprotein or LDL is so called because it has low density or low amount of proteins and is mostly fat. Low Density Lipoprotein or LDL is called the Bad Cholesterol because higher than normal LDL Levels can give rise to serious complications which have been explained below.
Low Density Lipoproteins transport the cholesterol from the Liver through the blood for uptake by the body cells of various tissues. This helps in the formation of the cell wall and also keeps up the cell nutrition. (explained in Benefits of Cholesterol).
Why You need Low Density Cholesterol.
Benefits of LDL.
That LDL is required by the body is a fact and its benefits can be called “essential” to the body. Do read Cholesterol benefits before you label LDL as a nuisance to your body. However letting your LDL Blood levels rise is definitely something you do not want as it can have serious repercussions on your health. Read Harmful Effects of Cholesterol to know.
LDL Levels.
It is essential that LDL Levels be kept within the normal limits because higher LDL levels can cause complications which are explained below. The following are the ldl levels according to their merits and demerits:
- Optimal – Less than 100 mg/dl.
- Near optimal – 100 to 129.
- Borderline high – 130 to 159.
- High – 150 to 189.
- Very High — above 190.
Do read Cholesterol Tests and Cholesterol ratio for a detailed explanation on LDL Levels..
Complications and Harmful Effects of LDL or Bad Fats.
High Levels of Low Density Lipoproteins or LDL cause the waxy natured cholesterol to get deposited on the walls of the arteries and form plaques. This is called Atherosclerosis. This narrows the lumen of the artery.
Picture of Atherosclerosis.
Over time, narrow arteries especially the coronary arteries of the heart can get blocked. This causes a heart attack. Sometimes the plaques get detached from the arterial wall and can form a thrombus. ( a clot traveling through the blood.), This thrombus can get lodged somewhere and can give rise to serious problems.
Below is picture showing plaque formation due to LDL and the complications due to thrombus formed as a result of rupture of the plaque.
Action step: Test blood for cholesterol as advised in the post on Cholesterol. Take necessary steps as advised by your physician if blood cholesterol levels ( especially LDL and triglycerides levels ) are higher than normal.
Your action step.
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