Simply asking the doctor, "How's my cholesterol?" and then being given a number is not sufficient. I suppose most people know that there is a difference between HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. One is good and one is bad. I have this silly way to remember which is which. HDL is the "good" type. I remember this because the "H" stands for "happy." The LDL is the "bad" type. I remember this because the "L" stands for "lousy." So you want the HDL cholesterol (Happy type) to be higher and the LDL cholesterol (Lousy type) to be lower. Ask your doctor what your levels should be.
Unfortunately in our society, even some children are developing cholesterol issues.
To make things a bit more complicated, there is a difference between Non-HDL and LDL cholesterol. One would think that if it wasn't the good kind it simply was the bad kind. When the HDL cholesterol is removed from the total cholesterol, what is left is the NON-HDL. This contains not only the LDL but also remnants of very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), the main carriers of triglycerides.
A person can have normal LDL cholesterol but still have high triglycerides and be at risk for cardiovascular disease. A simple blood test can be done to tell the levels of all three, LDL, HDL, and VLDL (carriers of triglycerides).
Next time you go to the doctor for blood tests, ask her to explain the different levels to you and take charge of your own health-care.
Eat healthy, get active, and be happy!
Karen Best Wright, B.S. Community Health Education
www.PathwaytoHealthyLiving.com
www.SeniorPro.com
www.GrandparentingBlog.com
Good to know abt two types of cholesterol....
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Viva-Magazine-Your-Premium-Womens-Natural-Health-Magazine/262734921452?ref=ts
Posted by: Health | 02/04/2010 at 04:15 AM