We know the word cholesterol but we don’t really know what it means, and we’ve probably heard about good and bad cholesterol, and about high and low cholesterol, but we may not be entirely sure what those terms really mean when it comes to our health.
Cardiologist Leslie Chu explains the difference between good cholesterol and bad cholesterol, according to the Mayo Clinic website.
And remember that low-density lipoprotein, called “bad cholesterol,” causes fatty deposits to build up in the arteries.
High-density lipoprotein, or “good” or “good” cholesterol, removes bad cholesterol from the body.
She said that bad cholesterol, because of its role in the accumulation of plaque in the blood vessels, makes them hard and narrow, and this reduces or even blocks the flow of blood and oxygen that your heart needs.
It’s confusing that good and bad things have similar names, Zhou said, but it’s important to remember that good cholesterol clears the way so that the other kind doesn’t harm your body.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the blood that the body needs to build healthy cells, but its high levels can increase the risk of a heart attack, according to the Mayo Clinic website.
There are many things that can be done to improve cholesterol levels.
This includes following a healthy diet, which includes increasing fiber intake and reducing red meat consumption, and engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes, at moderate to high intensity, at least 5 times a week.