In this article we will look at how the ratio between bad (LDL) and good (HDL) cholesterol levels appear to be a better indicator of the risk of heart disease then just by using LDL levels alone. This cholesterol ratio information is according to reports that were published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Many doctors believe that we should keep an eye on the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol in order to determine the risk of heart disease with better accuracy. In fact, data has shown that almost half of all patients who had coronary heart disease, had normal LDL levels but low levels of HDL. This resulted in them having a high LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio. But in these studies those with similar ratios had the same risk for heart disease and it did not matter if there were any differences in the LDL or the total cholesterol levels.

Previously when doctors looked at the risk of heart disease in patients, where cholesterol ratios were concerned, they would focus on the ratio of HDL to the total cholesterol. However, today there is a growing consensus within the medical community that they should now be taking a closer look at LDL levels in order to best manage this problem. Our total cholesterol contains good cholesterol (HDL - High Density Lipoprotein) which protects the heart and bad (LDL - Low Density Lipoprotein) which is harmful to the heart.

Although it is a fat, it is an essential nutrient for the body and is made in the liver. The liver will produce sufficient quantities of cholesterol in order for our body to remain healthy. But it will increase the production when we ingest foods which are high in saturated fats and meats, diary products and eggs. However, when the liver is unable to dispose of the extra cholesterol being produced because of a high fat diet, it then becomes LDL and will travel to the arteries of the heart and deposit itself there. As this accumulates the walls of the arteries begin to narrow and blood flow becomes restricted and eventually blocked.

The theory therefore is that a "higher ratio of something good to something bad is always better for the body." This is even more true if you want to maintain a healthy heart. So today when looking at the cholesterol ratio they now compare a person's bad cholesterol (LDL) to their good cholesterol (HDL). Rather than in the past where they would look at our good cholesterol (HDL) and compare it to the total cholesterol.

Ldl Cholesterol | Medical Disclaimer |