Cholesterol is a lipid (fat), which is mainly made in the liver (for the most part overnight) and also absorbed directly from some foods. There are two kinds of cholesterol: ‘Good', and ‘Bad'. Poor diet, smoking, lack of exercise can all lead to high levels of bad cholesterol.
Good Cholesterol
HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol (HDL-C) is called ‘good' cholesterol. It is called good cholesterol because higher levels of it are protective against Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). HDL-C brings cholesterol back to the liver where it can be eliminated, which allows less cholesterol to build up in arteries.
Bad Cholesterol
LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol (LDL-C) is also known as ‘bad' cholesterol. The higher your level of LDL-C, the greater the chance of developing CHD, because this is the cholesterol that builds in the coronary arteries and turns into damaging plaques. Approximately 65% of the cholesterol in your arteries is bad cholesterol.
Measurement
Recommended Level
Total Cholesterol
< 4.0mmol/l*
HDL Cholesterol
> 1.1mmol/l*
LDL Cholesterol
< 2.0mmol/l*
Triglycerides
<2.0mmol/l*
*BHS IV reference
**Watkins P, British Medical Journal 2003; 326, 874-876
WHAT IS CHOLESTEROL?
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