What Raises Your LDL?

High LDL can be a struggle, particularly if you also have diabetes, are over weight or are over 40 years old. Your first line of defense against this dangerous condition is knowing more about it and what prevents it.

Identification

• LDL stands for low density lipoprotein, also know as "bad" cholesterol. You also have high density lipoprotein, also known as HDL or "good" cholesterol.

Significance

• These lipoproteins are made of lipids and proteins and transport fats through your bloodstream and around your body.

Prevention/Solution

• Factors like a poor diet, smoking, obesity and not getting enough exercise help to raise your LDL number. Eat a heart healthy diet full of whole grains, lean meats and fruits and vegetables. Avoid trans and saturated fats. Make sure to exercise at least three days a week for 30 minutes each. If you make the effort to avoid or reduce these risk factors, you may be able to lower a higher LDL number or avoid it altogether.

Potential

• The optimal level for LDL is less than 100 mg/dL. High levels are anything between 160 and 189 mg/dL and dangerously high levels are anything above 190mg/dL.

Warning

• The higher your LDL levels, the higher you risk for heart disease, heart attack and stroke. This may be compounded if you have other risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes or are overweight.