From the Guidelines
HDL and LDL are two different types of cholesterol that have opposite effects on heart health, with HDL helping to remove excess cholesterol and LDL contributing to arterial plaque formation. The key difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol lies in their function: HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is often called "good" cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream and carries it back to the liver for disposal, as noted in a study published in the journal Sports Medicine 1. Higher HDL levels are generally associated with lower risk of heart disease. On the other hand, LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is known as "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in the walls of your arteries, forming plaque that narrows arteries and restricts blood flow, potentially leading to heart attacks and strokes.
Some key points to consider:
- HDL cholesterol transports lipids back to the liver for recycling and disposal, and high levels of HDL cholesterol are an indicator of a healthy cardiovascular system 1.
- LDL cholesterol can build up in the walls of your arteries, forming plaque that narrows arteries and restricts blood flow, potentially leading to heart attacks and strokes.
- For optimal heart health, you should aim for higher HDL levels (ideally above 60 mg/dL) and lower LDL levels (below 100 mg/dL for most people), as recommended by the American Heart Association 2.
- This balance can be achieved through healthy diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and sometimes medication if prescribed by your doctor.
It's also important to note that the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association have published guidelines for the management of cholesterol, which include recommendations for lifestyle changes and medication therapy 3, 4. Additionally, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology has published studies on the effects of different cholesterol-lowering therapies on cardiovascular risk 3, 4.
Overall, understanding the difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol is crucial for maintaining good heart health, and making lifestyle changes and seeking medical treatment when necessary can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
From the FDA Drug Label
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY A variety of clinical studies have demonstrated that elevated levels of total cholesterol (total-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and apolipoprotein B (apo B), an LDL membrane complex, are associated with human atherosclerosis Similarly, decreased levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and its transport complex, apolipoprotein A (apo AI and apo AII) are associated with the development of atherosclerosis.
The main difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol is their role in the body and their effect on cardiovascular health.
- HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream.
- LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because high levels can lead to the buildup of plaque in arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Key points about HDL and LDL cholesterol include:
- Elevated LDL-C is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
- Decreased HDL-C is also associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
- Fenofibrate therapy can help lower LDL-C and triglycerides, while also increasing HDL-C levels 5.
From the Research
Difference between HDL and LDL Cholesterol
- HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol is often referred to as "good" cholesterol, as it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transport it to the liver for removal 6.
- LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol, on the other hand, is considered "bad" cholesterol, as high levels can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease 7, 8, 9.
Key Functions
- HDL cholesterol plays a crucial role in preventing the buildup of plaques in the blood vessels by removing excess cholesterol from the peripheral tissues and delivering it to the liver for removal 6.
- LDL cholesterol, when present in high levels, can lead to the formation of plaques in the arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of cardiovascular events 7, 8, 9.
Management and Treatment
- Statins are commonly used to lower LDL cholesterol levels, and are often recommended as the first line of treatment for high cholesterol 7, 8, 9.
- Ezetimibe, a medication that inhibits the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine, can be used in combination with statins to further lower LDL cholesterol levels 7, 8, 9.
- HDL cholesterol levels can be improved through lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, as well as through the use of certain medications, such as niacin and fibrates 6, 10.