Question

Distinguish between "good" and "bad" cholesterol. In your discussion, include descriptions of HDL and LDL explaining which type of cholesterol is detrimental to your health and why.

Format: 12 point font, Times New Roman, double-spaced, APA format.

Answer 1

Cholesterol is a wax-like substance found in the blood. The liver makes cholesterol, and it is also in some foods, such as meat and dairy products. The body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells. It helps in the synthesis of bile acid, steroids, and Vitamin D. But high levels of cholesterol can lead to heart disease.

Cholesterol binds to the protein a circulate as “lipoproteins.” Two types of lipoproteins carry cholesterol throughout the body:

• LDL (low-density lipoprotein): Also known as “bad” cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can cause heart disease and stroke. The high amount of LDL cholesterol develops a fatty deposition in the vessels, the phenomenon is known as atherosclerosis which causes the narrowing of the vessel. The blockage may cause it can cause angina (chest pain) or a heart attack.

The plaque formation due to the fat deposition may also reduce blood flow and oxygen to major organs. The oxygen deprivation to the organs or arteries may lead to kidney disease or peripheral arterial disease that further elevate heart risks.

• HDL (high-density lipoprotein): Also known as “good” cholesterol, absorbs cholesterol and carries it back to the liver to expel it out from the body. The liver then flushes it from the body. High levels of HDL cholesterol can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.

So the body should have low LDL and high HDL cholesterol to remove the fat from the body.