Low Density Lipoprotien (LDL)
The function of LDL is to deliver cholesterol to cells in the body. The liver packages cholesterol into LDL and sends it through the bloodstream to were it is needed. Even though our cells produce cholesterol on their own, they may need extra cholesterol to preform or complete needed tasks. High cholesterol comes from deposits of LDL on the lining of our arteries. Because of this, LDL is usually referred to as the "bad cholesterol". As cholesterol is deposited on the artery walls, it starts to build up and form plaque. Build up of plaque causes the arteries to narrow and blood is forced to pass through a smaller opening, causing higher heart rate and blood pressure and increasing the risk for a heart attack or stroke.
RISK FACTORS
You can cut down on your risk of heart and blood problems by cutting down on the intake amount of LDL. If you have a family history of high cholesterol , see your doctor to see if you need to take medication to help.
CUTTING DOWN ON LDL
Cholesterol Medications
The statins, cholesterol absorption inhibitor and niacin decrease LDL and triglycerides and increase HDL. the bile acid binding resins only decrease LDL, while the Omega-3's only decrease triglycerides. The combination niacin and statin medication decrease LDL and triglycerides, but doesn't help increase HDL.
Unknown. (n.d.). Cholesterol, Lipoproteins and the Liver. Washington Courses. Retrieved March 26,
2015. From http://courses.washington.edu/conj/bess/cholesterol/liver.html
Unknown. (n.d.). Cholesterol Management. Health Concerns. Retrieved March 26, 2015. From
http://www.lef.org/Protocols/Heart-Circulatory/Cholesterol-Management/Page-01
Unknown. (2014, August 26). High cholesterol. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved March 26, 2015. From
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/cholesterol-medications/art-20050958
RISK FACTORS
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Low HDL cholesterol
- Family history of early heart disease
- Age
You can cut down on your risk of heart and blood problems by cutting down on the intake amount of LDL. If you have a family history of high cholesterol , see your doctor to see if you need to take medication to help.
CUTTING DOWN ON LDL
- Snack on fresh, unsalted nuts
- Eat skinless chicken, fish and 90-95% lean ground beef
- Reduce high-fat dairy products
- Eat low fat frozen yogurt or sherbet instead of ice cream
- Avoid hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated foods
Cholesterol Medications
- Statins- Crestor, Lescol, Liptor etc.
- Bile Acid Binding Resins- Colestid, Questran, Welcol
- Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitor- Zetia
- Combination Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitor and Statin- Vytorin
- Niacin- Niaspan
- Combination Niacin and Statin- Advicor
- Omega-3 Fatty acids- Lovaza, Vascepa
The statins, cholesterol absorption inhibitor and niacin decrease LDL and triglycerides and increase HDL. the bile acid binding resins only decrease LDL, while the Omega-3's only decrease triglycerides. The combination niacin and statin medication decrease LDL and triglycerides, but doesn't help increase HDL.
Unknown. (n.d.). Cholesterol, Lipoproteins and the Liver. Washington Courses. Retrieved March 26,
2015. From http://courses.washington.edu/conj/bess/cholesterol/liver.html
Unknown. (n.d.). Cholesterol Management. Health Concerns. Retrieved March 26, 2015. From
http://www.lef.org/Protocols/Heart-Circulatory/Cholesterol-Management/Page-01
Unknown. (2014, August 26). High cholesterol. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved March 26, 2015. From
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/cholesterol-medications/art-20050958
An image of a LDL molecule
http://www.lef.org/Protocols/Heart-Circulatory/Cholesterol-Management/Page-01
http://www.lef.org/Protocols/Heart-Circulatory/Cholesterol-Management/Page-01