|  | Conditions Treatments | Heart Disease

Lipids & Heart Disease

Lipids—more commonly known as fats—play many important roles in our bodies. Cholesterol helps construct cell walls while triglycerides provide energy to the body. Excess amounts however, contribute to poor heart health and a host of complications such as heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Fortunately, healthy lifestyle choices and when necessary—medications, can combat both of these problems simultaneously.

  1. LDL Cholesterol

    • Excess low-density lipoprotein( LDL or "bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides build up on the artery walls. This narrowing impedes proper blood flow and damages the heart. Poor blood flow reduces the amount of oxygen and vital nutrients from reaching the heart.

    HDL Cholesterol

    • High-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good" cholesterol) removes buildup from the artery walls and from the blood, according to WebMD. Keeping the arteries clear reduces your risk of heart disease and heart attack.

    Triglycerides

    • While research indicates high triglycerides present a risk for heart disease, experts debate their individual impact, according to WebMD. They note that high triglycerides often accompany many other risk factors, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, and might serve to worsen the effects of these problems on the heart rather than impact it directly. Additionally, women with high triglycerides might suffer an increased risk compared to men.

    Healthy Levels

    • Normal triglyceride levels should be 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood or under, according to the American Heart Association. LDL cholesterol should be under 100 mg/dL while HDL levels should be at least 60 to mg/dL to offer protection against heart disease, according to WebMD.

    Promoting Healthy Levels

    • You can promote healthy levels of these lipids by eating a diet low in saturated fats, increasing your intake of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, restricting alcohol intake, exercising at least 30 minutes a day, eating fiber-rich foods, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and taking medications as directed, if prescribed.

Heart Disease - Related Articles