Q: about the LDL cholesterol
asked by:
chenhongxia
on July 24th, 2008
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
What is LDL cholesterol?
Low-density lipoprotein is the major
cholesterol carrier in the blood. If too
much LDL cholesterol circulates in the
blood, it can slowly build up in the walls
of the arteries feeding the heart and
brain. Together with other substances it
can form plaque, a thick, hard deposit
that can clog those arteries. This
condition is known as atherosclerosis. A
clot (thrombus) that forms near this
plaque can block the blood flow to part of
the heart muscle and cause a heart attack.
If a clot blocks the blood flow to part of
the brain, a stroke results. A high level
of LDL cholesterol (160 mg/dL and above)
reflects an increased risk of heart
disease. If you have heart disease, your
LDL cholesterol should be less than 100
mg/dL and your doctor may even set your
goal to be less than 70 mg/dL. That's why
LDL cholesterol is called "bad"
cholesterol. Lower levels of LDL
cholesterol reflect a lower risk of heart
disease.
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