I recently talked with you about the difference between good and bad cholesterol. Here’s a summary for you before I get started on this next part.
LDL=Bad
HDL=Good
LDL represents the kind of cholesterol scientists associate with arterial plaque- build-up that causes blockages related to heart attacks and strokes. Well, now they’ve taken an even closer look at this sticky artery blocking stuff and determined that size matters.
Apparently LDL molecules come in all different sizes from small to very large. The small molecules are more concentrated. They move more sluggishly through the blood stream. The larger ones seem to be more buoyant. It’s like comparing pebbles to balloons.
Can you guess which molecules are taking the blame for causing more problems? Yep, they’re picking on the little guys.
There is another factor that goes along with how much trouble these molecules can cause. I’d never thought about it, but what happens to the extra cholesterol that our body can’t use? Well, we know that it tends to hang around and build up, but did you know it gets old, too? When I say old, think of food. Your cooking oil can go rancid, so can your cholesterol. Did everybody else just go, “ewe” too? When the cholesterol goes bad, your body tries to take care of it though the immune system. Inflammation caused by an immune response in an already blocked area is not a good thing.
So here’s the sum of the problem: the smaller your LDL is the faster it sticks and the faster it goes bad.
Another interesting fact is that if you happen to have small LDL, odds are you also have low HDL (the good stuff that helps clear away the bad stuff). If you happen to have diabetes on top of small LDL and low HDL, you’ve just tripled your chance for heart disease. Ouch!
Most doctors don’t routinely test for the size of your LDL. If you have diabetes or a history of heart disease in yourself or your family, it might be worth asking about.
The size of the molecules we have in our body is partly related to family history. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t a few things you can do to help. Exercise, keep your weight and your sugar level under control, and of course be very careful about your saturated fat intake. Diet and exercise are a great place to start, but know that there are also several medications that your doctor might recommend if the cards continue to stack against you.
So, how big is your LDL?
Related Articles:
Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Understanding Good and Bad Cholesterol