Understanding the Different Types of Cholesterol During American Heart Month

American Heart Month is a time to focus on cardiovascular health and raise awareness about risk factors that contribute to heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death in the United States. One of the most important risk factors is cholesterol. While cholesterol is frequently labeled as harmful, the body actually needs it to function. The key is understanding the different types of cholesterol and how they affect heart health.

What Is Cholesterol and Why Does the Body Need It?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fatlike substance found in every cell of the body. It plays an essential role in building cell membranes, producing hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, and helping the body digest fats.

The liver naturally produces all the cholesterol the body needs, but cholesterol is also found in animal-based foods like meat, dairy and eggs. Cholesterol cannot travel through the bloodstream on its own, so it is carried by particles called lipoproteins.

According to the American Heart Association, cholesterol itself is not harmful, but problems occur when cholesterol levels become unbalanced.

What Is LDL Cholesterol and Why Is It Called “Bad” Cholesterol?

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is commonly known as “bad” cholesterol. LDL carries cholesterol from the liver to tissues and arteries throughout the body.

When LDL cholesterol levels become too high, cholesterol can build up inside artery walls, forming plaque. Over time, this plaque buildup can narrow arteries, reduce blood flow, and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. This process is known as atherosclerosis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that high LDL cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Health care providers often focus on lowering LDL cholesterol because reducing these levels has been shown to significantly lower heart disease risk.

What Is HDL Cholesterol and Why Is It Considered “Good” Cholesterol?

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is often called “good” cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.

HDL acts as a cleanup system by carrying cholesterol away from arteries and back to the liver, where it can be processed and removed from the body. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are generally linked to a lower risk of heart disease.

Research shows that HDL may also help protect blood vessels and reduce inflammation associated with cardiovascular disease.

What Are Triglycerides and How Do They Affect Heart Health?

Triglycerides are not technically a type of cholesterol, but they are another important fat found in the bloodstream and are usually measured as part of a lipid panel.

Triglycerides store unused calories and provide energy to the body. However, high triglyceride levels can increase the risk of heart disease, especially when combined with high LDL cholesterol or low HDL cholesterol.

High triglyceride levels are often linked to obesity, poorly controlled diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, and diets high in sugar and refined carbohydrates.

Therefore, managing triglycerides is an important part of overall heart disease prevention.

What Is a Lipid Panel and What Do Cholesterol Numbers Mean?

Health care providers typically measure cholesterol using a blood test called a lipid panel. This test evaluates the following:

• Total cholesterol
• LDL cholesterol
• HDL cholesterol
• Triglycerides

Total cholesterol reflects the overall amount of cholesterol in the blood but does not provide the full picture of cardiovascular risk. Experts emphasize that understanding each component is more useful when evaluating heart health.

The CDC recommends that most adults have their cholesterol checked every four to six years, although individuals with heart disease risk factors may need more frequent screening.

What Factors Influence Cholesterol Levels?

Several factors can affect cholesterol levels, including the following:

• Genetics
• Diet and nutrition
• Physical activity
• Body weight
• Age
• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes

Lifestyle choices play a major role in cholesterol management. Heart-healthy habits, such as eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats, as well as staying physically active and avoiding tobacco use, are important.

When Are Medications Needed to Manage Cholesterol?

For some individuals, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to control cholesterol levels. In these cases, health care providers may prescribe medications such as statins or other cholesterol-lowering therapies.

These medications can help lower LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in patients with existing cardiovascular disease or multiple risk factors. Treatment decisions are typically based on an individual’s overall cardiovascular risk profile.

Why Is Understanding Cholesterol Important During American Heart Month?

Learning about cholesterol is one of the most important steps patients can take to protect their heart health. Monitoring cholesterol levels, making heart-healthy lifestyle choices and working with health care providers to develop personalized treatment plans can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

American Heart Month serves as a reminder that prevention starts with education. Understanding the roles of LDL, HDL and triglycerides empowers patients to take control of their cardiovascular health and support long-term wellness.