LDL - CHOLESTEROL

The liver not only manufactures and secretes LDL cholesterol into the blood; it also removesLDL cholesterol from the blood.

A high number of active LDL receptors on the liver surfaces is associated with the rapid removal of LDL cholesterol from the blood and low blood LDL cholesterol levels. A deficiency of LDL receptors is associated with high LDL cholesterol blood levels.

Fats are classified as saturated or unsaturated ( according to their chemical structure ).
Saturated fats are derived primarily from meat and dairy products and can raise blood cholesterol levels. Some vegetable oils made from coconut, palm, and cocoa are also high in saturated fats.

Diets that are high in saturated fats and cholesterol raise the levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood.

LDL cholesterol is called "bad" cholesterol, because elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. LDL lipoprotein deposits cholesterol on the artery walls, causing the formation of a hard, thick substance called cholesterol plaque. Over time, cholesterol plaque causes thickening of the artery walls and narrowing of the arteries, a process called atherosclerosis.

Lowering LDL cholesterol is currently the primary focus in preventing atherosclerosis and heart attacks. The benefits of lowering LDL cholesterol include :

• Reducing or stopping the formation of new cholesterol plaques on the artery walls.
• Reducing existing cholesterol plaques on the artery walls.
• Widening narrowed arteries.
• Preventing the rupture of cholesterol plaques, which initiates blood clot formation.
• Decreasing the risk of heart attacks.
• Decreasing the risk of strokes. The same measures that retard atherosclerosis in coronary arteries also benefit the carotid and cerebral arteries ( arteries that deliver blood to the brain ).

Posted in: cholesterol,health,LDL