Ailments and Situations - High Cholesterol - LDL vs. HDL

 
LDL vs. HDL

There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Lipoproteins are special cells produced by the liver that transport cholesterol to and from cells. LDL distributes the cholesterol to cells, which use what they need, and leftover cholesterol stays in the bloodstream to be picked up by HDL for return to the liver, which facilitates its elimination.

LDL is considered the "bad" or "least desirable" type of cholesterol. This form of cholesterol is essential for transporting fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, but an excess can cause cholesterol to build up or form plaque on arterial walls supplying the heart and brain with oxygen and nutrients.

HDL is considered the "good" type of cholesterol and is responsible for potentially reducing the risk of heart disease. However, only so much HDL is present in the body and it cannot handle a cholesterol excess. As a result, LDL cholesterol particles continue to float through the bloodstream and may build up or form plaque on arterial walls, as mentioned above.

Plaques form around a fibre deposit, or fibrin and this process can continue, eventually forming a blockage. This process is called atherosclerosis, or the formation of a fatty deposit. A blood clot occurs when this cap breaks off and floats through the body, creating a dangerous situation of blocking blood flow in the arteries of your legs, brain, ears (leading to hearing loss), coronary arteries (leading to heart disease), kidneys, and genitals.