|  | Conditions Treatments | Cholesterol

Definition of LDL Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a naturally-occurring lipid found within the human body. The two sources of cholesterol in a person's blood come from liver production and the food they eat. The full amount of cholesterol is calculated by adding a person's high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol. The LDL is also referred to as the "bad" cholesterol.

  1. Significance

    • LDL is known as the bad cholesterol, because it carries itself from the liver to body tissue.

    Effects

    • LDL can cause a buildup of cholesterol plaque within the walls of the artery and result in health problems, like atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

    Function

    • Aside from producing and emitting LDL cholesterol into the blood, the liver also works to eliminate it from the blood.

    Features

    • When there are an elevated amount of LDL receptors operating on the outside of the liver, the body is able to eliminate LDL cholesterol from within the blood; resulting in a decreased cholesterol levels of LDL. On the other hand, a shortage of LDL receptors can result in a person having elevated LDL cholesterol blood levels.

    Identification

    • Genetics and diet play a major role when it comes to a person's LDL, and overall levels of cholesterol. The intake of foods that contain a large amount of cholesterol and saturated fats, increase the amount of LDL in the blood.

    Prevention/Solution

    • People with high cholesterol are advised to modify their diet and exercise; in some cases medications are prescribed as well.

Cholesterol - Related Articles