BAD CHOLESTEROL OR LOW-DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN (LDL)

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) or simply bad cholesterol is a microscopic blob made up of an outer rim of lipoprotein and a cholesterol center. It is termed “bad” because it becomes part of plaque that can clog arteries and make heart attacks and strokes more likely.

Certain things are attributed to the increasing of  the risk in heart attacks. These include:

• Your cholesterol level
• Your age
• Your blood pressure
• Whether you smoke
• If you take blood pressure medicine

All of these things affect your chance of having a heart problem. Other risks include:

• Diabetes
• A history of heart disease in your family

Your doctor will set up a plan of lifestyle changes or medication that can lower both your cholesterol and overall risk.

TREATMENT

• Healthy foods. Eat foods low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and simple carbs. (Simple carbs include foods like sugar, white bread, and white crackers.) can cut your LDL levels. You can lower your numbers even more if you add fiber and plant sterols (margarine or nuts) to your diet.
• Regular exercise. The kind that gets your heart pumping also lowers your levels.
• Your doctor may suggest medications if diet and exercise is not enough. Some drugs, like statins, help block your body from making cholesterol.
• There are also drugs that you take as a shot rather than as a pill. These meds block a protein that interferes with the way your liver removes LDL from your blood. They’re recommended for people who can’t use statins or who have a severe form of high cholesterol.