Cholesterol

By: Julio Macias & Giovanna Tapia

What are LDL & HDL?
LDL is short for “ low density lipoprotein. It is considered the “ bad “ cholesterol
because it contributes to plaque, a thick, hard deposit that can clog arteries &
make them less flexible.

HDL is considered the “ good “ cholesterol because it helps remove LDL from the
arteries. It is short for “ High density lipoprotein “.
How do LDL & HDL differ structurally & functionally ?
-Structurally
HDL is known as better because it has more protein, which makes it more
dense as well.
LDL is less dense because it has more cholesterol than protein, that is why it
is less dense.
-Functionally
LDL brings cholesterol to all the cells in your body through your blood
vessels. HDL deliver cholesterol to the liver.
Why do doctors monitor the concentrations of LDL, and HDL
associated with the risks for heart disease & associated disorders?

They’re both monitored along with other things because they are used to help
evaluate the patient's risk of heart disease. Whether more cholesterol is being
taken to or from cells can be determined during a blood test
How are the concentrations of LDL & HDL associated with
the risk for heart disease & associated disease
High levels of LDL cholesterol lead to atherosclerosis increasing the risk of heart
attack and stroke. HDL cholesterol reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease as it
carries cholesterol away from the blood stream.
What other molecules in patient’s blood are monitored along with LDL and HDL?

● Triglycerides (The major form of fat stored by the body.)

● Total cholesterol
● Blood sugar levels
 What do the results of a cholesterol test mean? How do patients interpret each
value?

High cholesterol can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. That’s why it’s
important to have your cholesterol checked regularly. The test gives you four
results: total cholesterol, LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol, and triglycerides
(blood fats).

Total Cholesterol Level

Less than 200 mg/dL

200 to 239 mg/dL

240 mg/dL and above

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

People can eat healthy, lose weight , exercise, and also take
medications to help change their HDL and LDL to proper
levels.
How does intake of unsaturated, saturated,and trans fat affect cholesterol levels
and overall health
The LDL cholesterol is affected by diet. Knowing which fats raise LDL cholesterol
and which ones don't can help you prevent a heart attack or stroke. Your body
naturally produces LDL cholesterol. Eating saturated fat,and trans fat raises your
blood cholesterol level even further.

Trans fat
Cites
"Know Your Fats." Know Your Fats. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 May 2016.

"What Do the Results of a Cholesterol Test Mean? How Do Patients Interpret Each Value?" High-Density Lipoprotein V.s. Low-Density
Lipoprotein. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 May 2016.

"Good vs. Bad Cholesterol." Good vs. Bad Cholesterol. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 May 2016.