Lipoproteins That Reduce Blood Cholesterol

According to the Centers for Disease Control, heart disease is the number-one cause of death among men and women in the United States. Blood cholesterol levels play a significant role in the likelihood of someone developing a heart condition, and the types of lipoproteins present in the blood are a determining factor.

Identification

• The organs and tissues in the body all contain cells that metabolize carbohydrates, proteins and fats in order to maintain the body's overall function. Fats--or lipids--are the materials that can affect heart health when ingested in excessive amounts. Like carbohydrates and proteins, fats are transported by the bloodstream and into the cells. In order to move out of the bloodstream and into the cells, fat molecules require a special carrier to move through the cell membranes. Lipoproteins are those carriers.

Types

• The body manufacturers two different types of lipoproteins--high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). A lipoprotein carrier is made up of a protein molecule that attaches itself to a cholesterol molecule and carries it into the cell. An LDL's main job is to do just that; however, HDLs play an additional role. HDLs also work to clean up any excess cholesterol floating around in the bloodstream. They are the ones that work to reduce overall blood cholesterol levels.

Blood Tests

• The only way to what types of lipoproteins are present in the blood is to have a cholesterol level check done on a yearly basis. Blood tests are done to determine what a person's cholesterol levels are. Either a simple blood test can be done, or a lipoprotein profile screen can be run as part of a routine physical exam. Lipoprotein profiles provide a more comprehensive reading than a simple blood test. Both types of tests check for LDL and HDL levels; however, lipoprotein profiles also check for triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are another type of fat that's distributed throughout the muscles and tissues in the body.

Functions

• In addition to carrying cholesterol molecules into the cells, both types of lipoproteins can be present in the bloodstream. A high number of LDLs in the bloodstream means the cells have more than enough cholesterol to function properly. A high number of LDLs in the bloodstream also means that the excess cholesterol being carried by these molecules is being distributed along artery walls throughout the body. As HDLs work to clean up the excess, a high number of HDL molecules in the bloodstream means any excess is being picked up and carried away as waste products.

Prevention/Solution

• The best way to raise HDL levels is through diet and exercise. Conditions that work against maintaining healthy HDL levels are cigarette smoking, obesity and an inactive lifestyle. Low-carbohydrate diets rich in seafood, fruits, vegetables and whole grains help to raise HDL levels. High-fat diets low in fruits, grain and vegetables will have the opposite effect. Women who are 55 years or older and men who are 45 years or older will most likely see an increase in low density lipoprotein levels as a result of the aging process. Individuals with a family history that includes heart disease are particularly at risk.