LDL Cholesterol
LDL CHOLESTEROL
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) is the "lousy" or "bad" cholesterol carried within a lipoprotein in the blood whose density, when serum is ultracentrifuged, lies between the very low-density (VLDL) and high-density (HDL) lipoproteins. Low-density lipoproteins are deposited by blood beneath the lining of arteries, where they are oxidized and stimulate the formation of cholesterol-containing foam cells, which are the abnormal cells responsible for the development of atherosclerosis. Lowering LDL cholesterol by dietary or pharmacologic means has been shown to decrease the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death. Eating animal and dairy fat, partially hydrogenated fats used in pastries and fried fast foods, and high levels of dietary cholesterol can all elevate LDL cholesterol.
Donald A. Smith
(see also: Atherosclerosis; Blood Lipids; Cholesterol Test; Fats; Foods and Diets; Genetics and Health; HDL Cholesterol; Hyperlipidemia; Triglycerides; VLDL Cholesterol )
More From encyclopedia.com
Hyperlipidemia , Therapy
Hyperlipidemia, also known as hyperlipoproteinemia or dyslipidemia, is an elevation of lipid levels (fats ) in the bloodstream. These lipids… Arteriosclerosis , Arteriosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis is a common arterial disease that involves areas of plaques forming on the inside of arteries, which restrict, or s… Hemoglobin Test , Definition
Hemoglobin is a protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen. A hemoglobin test reveals how much hemoglobin is in a person's blood.… Hypoglycemia , DEFINITION
Hypoglycemia (pronounced HI-po-gli-seem-ee-ah) means low blood sugar. The main fuel used by cells to produce energy is a type of sugar cal… Hematocrit , Definition
The hematocrit is a test that measures the volume of blood by the percentage that is comprised of red blood cells. The hematocrit is also… Nitric Oxide , nitric oxide Two strands of research in the late 1970s led to a revolution in biology. Robert Furchgott was unravelling a paradox concerning the well…
You Might Also Like
NEARBY TERMS
LDL Cholesterol