What is “Good” Cholesterol vs “Bad” Cholesterol?

Many people are surprised to learn that not all cholesterol is harmful. LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, is the type that builds up in your arteries and raises your risk of heart disease and stroke. HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, actually protects your heart by clearing excess cholesterol from your bloodstream.

Knowing where your cholesterol levels stand is one of the most important parts of staying healthy long term. At Lawrence Family Practice Center in Lawrence, KS, our primary care team helps patients understand how to lower cholesterol and more. Call today to schedule a routine physical exam.

Good cholesterol vs. bad cholesterol

LDL is considered the harmful type of cholesterol because it accumulates along artery walls over time, forming plaque that narrows and restricts blood flow. This raises the risk of heart attack and stroke, often with no warning signs beforehand.

HDL, on the other hand, collects excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and brings it to the liver, where it can be removed from the body. Higher HDL levels are traditionally associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

Because these two types of cholesterol affect your health differently, your primary care doctor will want to evaluate both numbers together during a routine physical. The ratio of LDL to HDL provides a much clearer picture of your actual cardiovascular risk.

What happens when your cholesterol is borderline high?

When cholesterol is borderline high, patients should take steps to lower it. Here is how to lower cholesterol at home:

• Improve your diet: Reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats and focus on heart-healthy foods, like fruits, fiber-rich vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Exercise regularly: Aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Activities like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling can help.
• Lose weight: If you are overweight, even a small amount of weight loss can lower your LDL ("bad") cholesterol.
• Quit smoking: Smoking damages the blood vessels and lowers your HDL cholesterol, so quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart.

For some patients, these adjustments are enough to bring cholesterol levels back into a healthy range. However, others may benefit from medication prescribed by a primary care doctor. Our team at Lawrence Family Practice Center in Lawrence, KS, can create a personalized plan to help you manage your cholesterol effectively.

How we check your cholesterol

A routine physical exam is one of the best ways to catch elevated cholesterol early. During a lipid panel, we measure your cholesterol with a simple blood test. The results of your lipid panel provide what we need to assess your cardiovascular risk and make appropriate recommendations for your care. We can also teach you how to lower cholesterol at home.

Triglycerides, which are another type of fat in the blood, are also worth monitoring since high levels combined with elevated LDL raise the risk of heart disease even further.

Our team advises most adults to have their numbers checked regularly, even when they feel perfectly healthy. How often depends on your age, personal health history, and whether you have risk factors, like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.

Take control of your heart health

Elevated cholesterol is very manageable when it is caught early and addressed with the right plan. At Lawrence Family Practice Center, our primary care team is here to help you understand your numbers and figure out the best path forward. Whether your cholesterol is borderline high or you are simply due for a routine physical exam and lipid panel, call today to schedule your appointment in Lawrence, KS.