What's the difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol?

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is what practitioners are talking about when they refer to ‘bad cholesterol’. This type of cholesterol is the kind that causes plaque build-up in high cholesterol patients, which can lead to major health complications.

On the other hand, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the ‘good cholesterol’ that helps your body get rid of excess cholesterol that it doesn’t need. There is supposed to be a balance of both of these types of cholesterol in your body, which we refer to as your total cholesterol.

When total cholesterol in your body is less than 6.2 mmol/L and/or LDL levels are 3.5 mmol/L or above, it’s generally considered high cholesterol. Though, these ranges can vary depending on age, gender, or other health factors.

‍SIDE NOTE: You’ll often hear discussions about triglycerides in relation to high cholesterol management, so it’s important to know that triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood that can increase your risks of both heart attacks and strokes; especially alongside uncontrolled high cholesterol levels.