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Definition of HDL, LDL & VLDL

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the bloodstream and in all cells of the body. It is an important part of the cardiovascular system. LDL, HDL and VHDL are the different types of cholesterol.

  1. LDL

    • LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because elevated LDL levels increase the risk of coronary heart disease. Ideally, LDL levels should be below 130 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL).

    HDL

    • HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, known as "good" cholesterol because elevated levels decrease coronary heart disease risk, should account for at least 25 percent of your total cholesterol.

    VLDL

    • VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is the forerunner to LDL. Ideally, levels of VLDL should not exceed 30 mg/dL.

    Significance

    • The total cholesterol level is less important as a risk factor for heart disease than the total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio or LDL to HDL ratio.

    Effects

    • A person's risk of developing a form of heart disease, such of atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease, increases when their total cholesterol level goes up. According to "The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition," the ideal range for total cholesterol is 140 to 200 mg/dL or less.

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