How Do I Understand Lipoprotein Metabolism?

Lipoprotein metabolism is how the body works to transport lipids (fats), proteins and cholesterol through the blood and throughout the body. Knowing your specific levels (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides) is the key to understanding how lipoprotein metabolism works in your body and your risk of heart disease.

Things You'll Need

• Blood test

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Instructions

• 1

  Keep total cholesterol in an acceptable range <200 mg/dl. The higher the number, the higher the risk for heart disease. Cholesterol comes from dietary lipids (fats) and proteins and is not water-soluble, so it needs lipoproteins to transport it throughout the body. The lower the number, the easier it is for the body to engage in this process.

• 2

  Understand your high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, which should be >60 mg/dl. The higher the number, the less likelihood of heart disease. HDL is known as the "good" cholesterol and functions by collecting cholesterol from the body and bringing it to the liver where it is broken down and used for energy.

• 3

  Know your low density lipoprotein (LDL) level, which should be <100 mg/dl. The higher the number, the higher the risk for heart disease. LDL is known as the "bad" cholesterol. LDL works with VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) in transporting cholesterol and triglycerides from the liver to the body. If there is too much deposited in the body then it can build up over time, increasing heart disease risk.

• 4

  Know your triglyceride (fat) level which should be <150 mg/dl. The higher the number, the higher the risk for heart disease. Triglycerides are derived from dietary lipids (fats) with the main components coming from animal fats and vegetable oils (saturated fats). These are not water soluble, so lipoproteins function to move these throughout the body. The higher the number, the harder it is for the body to remove triglycerides.

• 5

  Get your blood tested yearly so that you can make modifications to your lifestyle if necessary. It is important to keep your weight down, exercise, not smoke and eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and fiber while limiting saturated fat.