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Two Kinds of Cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Each type serves a purpose in the human body, including helping the body produce hormones and carrying away excess cholesterol from the arteries. The problem with cholesterol occurs when the body contains too much LDL and too little HDL.

  1. Low-Density Lipoprotein

    • Low-density lipoprotein is considered to be the "bad" cholesterol. At normal levels, LDL cholesterol levels pose no threats. But when too much LDL cholesterol circulates in the blood, the risk for heart disease and stroke increase, according to the "Physicians' Desk Reference." These high levels of circulating LDL cholesterol lead to fatty buildup along the arteries, which inhibits the flow of blood.

    High-Density Lipoprotein

    • High-density lipoprotein is considered the "good" cholesterol. HDL cholesterol contributes to heart health by shuttling excess cholesterol out of the body, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). This process prevents artery clogging, lowering the risk for heart disease.

    Causes of High Cholesterol

    • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one out of every six people in the United States has elevated total cholesterol levels. According to the "Physicians' Desk Reference," genetic factors may play a major role in cholesterol levels. Genetic disorders such as familial hypercholesterolemia cause the body to mishandle LDL cholesterol, leading to elevated levels. Weight may also play a role. According to mayoclinic.com, those with a body mass index of 30 or more are at a higher risk of having too much circulating cholesterol. Lack of exercise may also be a contributor by lowering circulating HDL cholesterol, according to mayoclinic.com.

    Lowering LDL Cholesterol

    • In the diet, cholesterol should be limited to 300 mg or less per day (200 mg, if you have already been diagnosed with high cholesterol), according to the NHLBI. Cholesterol, however, is not the only contributor to high cholesterol levels. Saturated fat, according to NHLBI, has the most negative influence on cholesterol levels. In healthy individuals, the NHLBI recommends that less than 10 percent of daily calories come from saturated fat. And people with high cholesterol should consume less than seven percent of their daily calories from saturated fat. Some people may need medication such as Niaspan, Tricor and Lopid to help control cholesterol levels.

    Raising HDL Cholesterol

    • Regular exercise helps cholesterol levels in two ways. It decreases LDL cholesterol and increases HDL cholesterol, according to the NHLBI. The NHLBI recommends at least 30 minutes of exercise a day at least four times a week. In people who smoke, quitting smoking may be another way to raise HDL cholesterol levels. According to mayoclinic.com, in one year former smokers lower their risk of heart disease by 50 percent over smokers' risk.

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