Why is ldl important

It is important to have what is called a full lipid profile to show the actual levels of each type of fat in your blood: LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and others. Talk with your healthcare provider about when to have this test. People age 40 to 75 who are living with diabetes and whose LDL is at 70 or above may need medication.

Addressing risk factors. Some risk factors that can be changed include lack of exercise and poor eating habits. Cholesterol-lowering medicines. Medicines are used to lower fats in the blood, particularly LDL cholesterol.

One is low-density lipoprotein, or LDL. The other is high-density lipoprotein, or HDL. A test measures the amount of each type of cholesterol in your blood. This narrows the arteries and increases the risk for heart attack , stroke and peripheral artery disease PAD. Only one-third to one-fourth of blood cholesterol is carried by HDL. Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body.

To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address: Email Address. What's this? Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. HDL cholesterol removes extra cholesterol and plaque buildup in your arteries. High cholesterol often has no symptoms, but can lead to serious health issues.

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Why Is Cholesterol Needed by the Body? Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. What is cholesterol? LDL vs. Why is LDL bad? Why is HDL good? Total cholesterol goals. Keeping these numbers in check. Read this next.