Just like ‘good cop’ and ‘bad cop’, cholesterol too has two versions or avatars. These are LDL aka ‘bad cholesterol’ and HDL aka ‘good cholesterol’. What exactly are these, why are they important for ...

Understanding the Context

You have had the cholesterol conversation with your doctor enough times that the numbers feel familiar. LDL, HDL, triglycerides. Good and bad. High and low.

Key Insights

The ... Boosting HDL or "good" cholesterol was thought to reduce heart risk. However, recent research suggests that very high levels can have the opposite effect. Heart UK says: "LDL cholesterol is often called ‘bad cholesterol’ because too much of it can clog up your arteries and lead to health problems later on, such as heart disease, heart attacks and ... Statins, plant sterols and stanols are typically regarded as safe.

Final Thoughts

Statins remain the most effective medication for reducing LDL cholesterol and lowering overall cardiovascular risk. Eating a balanced ... YouTube on MSN: My LDL cholesterol is 574 (confessions of an MD PhD) Oregonian: Dear Doctor: What’s the real significance of a high HDL cholesterol value? DEAR DR. ROACH: Can you please explain what is cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein and the significance of a high HDL cholesterol value? What about non-HDL ...

Dear Doctor: What’s the real significance of a high HDL cholesterol value?