Cholesterol: Types and Functions in the Body


Cholesterol is a fat component found in blood vessels all animals and humans. It is actually useful as a source of energy, forming the walls of the cells in the body, and as a basis for the establishment of steroid hormones.

Our body need cholesterol, but can form deposits on blood vessel walls. Cholesterol can’t dissolve in the blood. It has to be transported to and from the cells by carriers called lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), is known as “bad” cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), is known as “good” cholesterol.

These two types of lipids, along with Tridtriglyces and Lp(a) cholesterol, make up your total cholesterol count, which can be determined through a blood test. Here are the types and functions of cholesterol:

LDL (Bad Cholesterol)

When too much LDL (bad) cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. Together with other substances, it can form plaque, a thick, hard deposit that can narrow the arteries and make them less flexible. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, heart attack or stroke can result.

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HDL (Good Cholesterol)

About one-fourth to one-third of blood cholesterol is carried by high-density lipoprotein (HDL). This “good” cholesterol could protect against heart attack. Low levels of HDL (less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women). It also can increase the risk of heart disease.

Medical experts think that HDL tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it’s passed from the body. Some experts believe that HDL removes excess cholesterol from arterial plaque, slowing its buildup.


Triglyceride is a form of fat made in the body. Elevated triglycerides can be due to overweight or obesity, physical inactivity, cigarette smoking, excess alcohol consumption and a diet very high in carbohydrates (60 percent of total calories or more).

People with high triglycerides often have a high total cholesterol level. Including a high LDL (bad) level and a low HDL (good) level. Therefore, many people with heart disease and/or diabetes also have high.

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Lp(a) Cholesterol

Lp(a) is a genetic variation of LDL (bad) cholesterol. A high level of Lp(a) is a significant risk factor for the premature development of fatty deposits in arteries. Lp(a) may interact with substances found in artery walls and contribute to the buildup of fatty deposits.

Excessive cholesterol can be attached to the walls of the blood vessels so that blood vessels constrict and blood flow is not smooth. This is why, cholesterol becomes a risk factor for heart disease.

Control your cholesterol level. If you have high cholesterol level could cause Hyperlipidemia. Learn more about Hyperlipidemia: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment.


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