Difference Between HDL and LDL Cholesterol

HDL takes the "bad," LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol out of your blood and keeps it from building up in your arteries. LDL cholesterol is known as bad cholesterol because it leads to the development and build up of plaque on the walls of your arteries.

1. What is a good LDL and HDL level?
2. Which is better HDL or LDL cholesterol?
3. What is a good LDL level?
4. What is a good LDL level for a woman?
5. What should I do if my LDL is high?
6. Do eggs raise LDL?
7. Why did my LDL go up?
8. How long does it take to lower LDL?
9. What foods raise LDL?
10. Is LDL good or bad?

What is a good LDL and HDL level?

Men age 20 or older:

Which is better HDL or LDL cholesterol?

There are two types: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). As a general rule, HDL is considered “good” cholesterol, while LDL is considered “bad.” This is because HDL carries cholesterol to your liver, where it can be removed from your bloodstream before it builds up in your arteries.

What is a good LDL level?

Cholesterol chart for adults

What is a good LDL level for a woman?

So what are your target numbers? According to Michos, an ideal LDL cholesterol level should be less than 70 mg/dl, and a woman's HDL cholesterol level ideally should be close to 50 mg/dl. Triglycerides should be less than 150 mg/dl. As Michos notes, total cholesterol levels well below 200 mg/dl are best.

What should I do if my LDL is high?

1. Eat heart-healthy foods

1. Reduce saturated fats. Saturated fats, found primarily in red meat and full-fat dairy products, raise your total cholesterol. ...
2. Eliminate trans fats. ...
3. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. ...
4. Increase soluble fiber. ...
5. Add whey protein.

Do eggs raise LDL?

The science is clear that up to 3 whole eggs per day are perfectly safe for healthy people. Summary Eggs consistently raise HDL (the “good”) cholesterol. For 70% of people, there is no increase in total or LDL cholesterol. Some people may experience a mild increase in a benign subtype of LDL.

Why did my LDL go up?

Poor diet.

Eating saturated fat, found in animal products, and trans fats, found in some commercially baked cookies and crackers and microwave popcorn, can raise your cholesterol level. Foods that are high in cholesterol, such as red meat and full-fat dairy products, will also increase your cholesterol.

How long does it take to lower LDL?

Nieca Goldberg, medical director of the Joan H. Tisch Center for Women's Health at the NYU Langone Medical Center, says it can take between three to six months to see lower LDL numbers through just diet and exercise, noting that it takes longer to see changes in women than men.

What foods raise LDL?

Here are 7 high-cholesterol foods that are incredibly nutritious.

• Eggs. Eggs are one of the most nutritious foods you can eat. ...
• Cheese. A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of cheese provides 27 mg of cholesterol, or about 9% of the RDI (16). ...
• Shellfish. ...
• Pasture-Raised Steak. ...
• Organ Meats. ...
• Sardines. ...
• Full-Fat Yogurt.

Is LDL good or bad?

LDL (low-density lipoprotein), sometimes called “bad” cholesterol, makes up most of your body's cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol raise your risk for heart disease and stroke.