Feb 26 2007
Understanding cholesterol: The good, the bad, and the Ratio
We all know it’s important to lower bad cholesterol levels, but what about the importance of raising good cholesterol levels? Many people don’t know that there is both good and bad cholesterol in our bodies and both are equally important.
Even fewer people know and understand the Cholesterol Ratio, the relationship between total cholesterol (TC) and good cholesterol (HDL) in the body. The Cholesterol Ratio is among the best predictors of long-term cardiovascular risk and is a number that you should know.
Here are the straight facts on cholesterol - the good, the bad and the Ratio.
The Bad
LDL cholesterol is also known as the “bad” cholesterol. Too much LDL in your blood can cause the gradual build-up of cholesterol on the walls of your blood vessels - this is also called plaque. This type of cholesterol usually comes from foods with higher amounts of dietary cholesterol or fats.
The Good
HDL cholesterol is also known as the “good” cholesterol. It carries the LDL cholesterol away from the blood vessel walls to the liver, where it can be removed from the body. Higher HDL cholesterol levels are good and protect the body from heart disease.
The Cholesterol Ratio
When managing cholesterol, the Cholesterol Ratio is among the best predictors of long-term cardiovascular risk. Keeping your Cholesterol Ratio in a healthy range is vital to help keep your heart healthy. Regular activity and healthy eating can contribute to your overall plan to achieve a healthy Cholesterol Ratio.
Additional tips on maintaining your New Year’s resolutions, sustaining a healthy heart and lowering your Cholesterol Ratio are available online at www.knowyourratio.ca.
Credit: www.newscanada.com
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