L Is For Lousy LDL Cholesterol

When an individual is seen by their family doctor often an exam that is ordered by the physician is a blood cholesterol level test. This test requires the drawing of blood. When the test results come back they usually indicate the levels of cholesterol that are in the patient’s bloodstream. These levels are indicated by measuring the LDL and HDL levels within the bloodstream.

In order to address levels of cholesterol within an individuals bloodstream, it is important to understand a number of factors surrounding cholesterol. Those factors include understanding what is cholesterol, how testing is accomplished and the treatment of LDL cholesterol.

What Is Cholesterol.

First of all, it is important to understand that production of cholesterol in the body is an important element in the proper functioning of the body’s metabolism. The liver is the main organ that produces cholesterol. The importance of cholesterol is seen as it combines with proteins that are found in the bloodstream. This combination of cholesterol and the protein is called a lipoprotein. It is this combination of cholesterol and proteins that gives movement of cholesterol within the bloodstream.

In addition, there are two different types of cholesterol found within the human body. HDL cholesterol or high-density lipoproteins is required by the body and therefore can be classified as good cholesterol. LDL cholesterol or low-density cholesterol is the other type of cholesterol found within the human body and can be classified as bad or lousy cholesterol.

This type of cholesterol has a fatty texture and as such does not allow for proper assimilation within the bloodstream. It is because of the nature of LDL cholesterol that this low-density cholesterol adheres to the inside walls of the arteries.

How Testing Is Accomplished

An individual can be tested for cholesterol and specifically LDL cholesterol through a clinical laboratory process. This laboratory procedure requires the technician to draw a blood sample. After the sample has been drawn the LDL cholesterol within the bloodstream is measured by determining the percentage of the LDL cholesterol in proportion to the cholesterol molecule.

This medical exam can only be ordered by licensed medical personnel and is utilized by the doctor to measure the patient’s risk for a stroke, coronary heart disease or arteriosclerosis. The greater the LDL cholesterol level the greater the risk for the patient to experience these conditions.

A standard operating procedure prior to an individual having their blood tested for cholesterol is for the patient to fast. This requires that no food is eaten 12 hours prior to the exam.

Treatment Of LDL cholesterol

There are three effective ways that the medical community can effectively treat LDL cholesterol. The most effective way to combat LDL cholesterol is through a diet that is high in fiber and low in saturated fat.

The second effective way to reduce LDL cholesterol is through exercise. The additional treatment method that may be used in conjunction with a proper diet and increased exercise is through the use of medication. There are certain medications that can work with the liver or the digestive system to help reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood system.

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