Understanding LDL & HDL Cholesterol: Why Doctors Monitor Them

Doctors monitor all parts of cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the good cholesterol; low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the bad cholesterol; and triglycerides, a type of fat that circulates in the body. Triglycerides are often elevated when HDL and LDL are elevated.

Why Doctors Monitor Cholesterol

• Cholesterol is unable to dissolve in the bloodstream. Therefore, doctors want to ensure that there is not too much cholesterol building up in arteries.

Why Doctors Monitor HDL

• HDL carries about one-third of total cholesterol. Doctors monitor this level because according to the American Heart Association, HDL levels greater than 40 mg/dL reduce the risk of heart disease.

Why Doctors Monitor LDL

• LDL has the ability to collect in the arteries. Doctors monitor LDL levels because too much can put a patient at risk of heart attack or stroke.

Medical Treatments

• Doctors often prescribe medications such as niacin, resins, aspirin and fibric acid derivatives for patients with high LDL or low HDL to help prevent heart attack and stroke.

Lifestyle Changes

• Eating a low fat diet (especially low in saturated fats), exercising at least 30 minutes per day 3 days per week, and maintaining a healthy weight can help the body sustain healthy HDL and LDL levels.