HDL and LDL
There are two kinds of cholesterol used as an index of risk levels for cardiovascular disease -- the HDL or high-density lipoprotein and the LDL or low-density lipoprotein.
The combination of HDL and LDL contributes to the total cholesterol levels in the body, together with other factors. The "fat" levels in the blood -- consisting of HDL or "good cholesterol", LDL or "bad cholesterol", and triglycerides -- has been used to predict risk levels for coronary disease in men. High LDL, low HDL, and the presence of triglycerides, has been linked to increased risk for heart conditions.
What The Numbers Mean
Studies have shown higher total cholesterol levels in women correspond to higher rates of coronary artery disease This is a condition in which the arteries to the heart become clogged, and may lead to cardiac arrest.
Typically, for women, cholesterol levels of 200 or less do not predict increased risk for heart disease. However, slightly elevated levels of 235 show a 70% increase in risk. Levels of 265 or more have been linked to the occurrence of this disease two or three times more often. Additionally, low HDL levels strongly predict of heart diseases in women, with levels not more than 50 (mg/dL).
Men with the same cholesterol levels are placed on a diet schedule that increases their HDL and lowers their LDL, without directly affecting the triglycerides.
Low HDL and high cholesterol are often linked, leading to questions as to which of the two is more crucial. However, it has been found that women with low cholesterol levels of 200 also have low HDL levels, and yet still could have high risks for coronary disease.
The best way to predict heart conditions in women is predictor for women is the direct ratio between HDL and cholesterol. If the total cholesterol is more than four times her HDL levels, the risk for coronary disease increases up to five times more than normal. Moreover, if triglycerides are high, the risk also increases.
However, in men, higher LDL levels are not as reliable as predictors.
Experts believe that more studies still need to be done. Some believe that LDL levels should not be a source of anxiety, excepting of course special subgroups who may be directly affected.
Conclusions
Total cholesterol levels as an indicator or basis for decisions are not as critical as one would intuitively think. There are other factors and correlations at play -- HDL levels, triglycerides, and the ratio of cholesterol to HDL levels.
Similarly, the role and importance of LDL levels and ratios associated with these are yet to be determined. The best recourse is to continue finding the fundamental answers to these uncertain queries. Most importantly, keep doing research.
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