Good and bad cholesterol explained
There are two main types of cholesterol in the body, low density lipoprotein, LDL or bad cholesterol, and high density lipoprotein, HDL or good cholesterol.
LDL carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells. Too much LDL cholesterol leads to a harmful build up of cholesterol in the arteries. However,
HDL takes cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver where it's broken down or excreted.
I regularly get asked by patients how much cholesterol is too much. Well cholesterol levels are usually measured as a total cholesterol. This is the total amount of good and bad cholesterol in your body, and the only way to find out your cholesterol level is to have a blood test. This is a simple test that can be carried out by your GP or practice nurse, and is then used to measure the amount of cholesterol in your blood. But before this test you should abstain from food for eight to 12 hours or overnight in order that an accurate reading can be taken.
Following this test your GP will provide you with your cholesterol number and it's important to know your number as this will allow you to manage your level of cholesterol and subsequently your risk of heart disease and stroke. Your GP will also advise you as to whether you need to make changes to your lifestyle or whether you need treatment to help lower your cholesterol level. In some circumstances a more intensive cholesterol lowering medication may be prescribed to people who have a serious health problem, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or chronic kidney disease. And your doctor will advise you as to the right treatment for you.
