LDL cholesterol is known as “bad cholesterol” because high levels promote cardiovascular diseases (heart attacks, strokes, etc.). It is found, for example, in egg yolk, cheese and red meats.
THE LDL cholesterol (or written LDL-cholesterol) is the cholesterol that we qualify as “bad” because if it is present in too large a quantity, it can form plaques and fat deposits on the walls of the arteries and promote the risk of heart attack or stroke. Monitoring your level is important, especially if you have other cardiovascular risk factors (diabetes, excess weight, hypertension, tobacco, etc.).
What is the definition of LDL cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fat which is either manufactured by the body or provided by food. It is carried in the blood by two proteins : one called LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein), the other called HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein).
→ LDL cholesterol (or LDL cholesterol) is the protein that transports cholesterol from the liver to the cells of the body, particularly in the arteries and it is called “bad cholesterol”.
→ HDL cholesterol (or HDL cholesterol) is the protein that brings cholesterol from different cells to the liver and it is called “good cholesterol”.
Why do we say that it is “bad” cholesterol?
Cholesterol is certainly necessary for the body, but you should not have too much. “In fact, LDL cholesterol can take cholesterol where it shouldn’t, and can “clog” the arteries, which is why it is called “bad” cholesterol.“, explains Professor Gérard Helft, cardiologist and president of the French Federation of Cardiology.
In what foods is bad cholesterol found?
Cholesterol is mainly found in foods of animal origin. Here are some examples of foods that contain cholesterol:
- Fatty meats: particularly red meats (beef, lamb) and offal
- High-fat dairy products like whole milk cheeses, whole milk, and cream
- Egg yolks
- Cold meats, sausages and processed meats
- Fried foods and donuts…
The total cholesterol level is measured whena blood test taken on an empty stomach. We do not measure LDL cholesterol directly but we evaluate it using the following formula (in grams/liter): LDL cholesterol = Total cholesterol – HDL cholesterol – Triglycerides / 5. All of these parameters appear in the blood test results. But what will especially interest doctors is the LDL cholesterol level.
What is the normal level of LDL cholesterol?
We can often read that an LDL cholesterol level is generally considered normal when it is between 0.9 and 1.6 g/L in adults. “In absolute, there is no real normal level of LDL cholesterol insofar as the desirable rate of “bad cholesterol” will depend on the other cardiovascular risk factors of an individual. That is to say that the “acceptable” level will not be the same in an individual who smokes, who has high blood pressure or diabetes, for example, as in a non-smoking, non-diabetic and non-hypertensive individual., insists our interlocutor. In other words, the level considered “normal” of bad cholesterol must be adapted and interpreted to the profile of the individual and depends on overall cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, the so-called normal figures are different from one laboratory to another.
“We now know that a very low LDL cholesterol level has no disadvantages”
What are the risks of high LDL cholesterol?
Too high a level of LDL cholesterol increases the risk ofatherosclerosiswhich corresponds to the progressive clogging of the walls of the arteries – in particular the arteries of the heart or the brain whose walls can thicken and deteriorate – and promote the risk of heart attack, stroke and arteritis. The risk of high LDL cholesterol levels is all the greater if it is combined with other cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking or being overweight, but also hereditary factors.
Can a very low LDL cholesterol level be worrying?
“A few decades ago, there was concern that very low LDL cholesterol levels could increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Risks of dementia, cognitive decline or cancer linked to very low cholesterol levels had also been pointed out. But today, we have scientific certainty (follow-up studies have been carried out) that very low LDL cholesterol has no disadvantages.“, answers the expert. On the other hand, we know that the lower the LDL cholesterol level, the better we are protected from cardiovascular diseases.
How long should you monitor your cholesterol?
It all depends on the patient’s profile and medical history. “There are few official recommendations, however it is believed that it is desirable to monitor your cholesterol level when you are a young adult (when initiating contraception for example) and redo a blood test if the result is high. If the level is normal, we can redo a blood test every 5 years for example“explains Professor Helft.
There are of course ways to lower your bad cholesterol levels.
→ In the first placethe reduction of cholesterol involves food:
- Choose the right fats (prefer vegetable oils (except palm oil), oily fish, oilseeds, etc.)
- Increase the consumption of foods rich in fiber (fruits and vegetables, cereals, etc.)
- Reduce bad fats (fatty meats, cold cuts, whole milk products, etc.)
- Reduce cholesterol-rich foods such as egg yolks, organ meats, or fatty cheeses
- At the same time, have regular physical activity and fight against overweight
- Avoid smoking so as not to accumulate cardiovascular risk factors
→ In second level and depending on the individual’s needs (if their LDL cholesterol level and therefore their overall cardiovascular risk factor remains high), we can consider the prescription of drugs (statins) which lower cholesterol levels. “But before initiating drug treatment, the overall cardiovascular risk should be assessed, ideally by a doctor. Initially, the patient can assess his risk score on the site of the French Federation of Cardiology via a very simple test which is done in a few minutes“, concludes Professor Helft.
Thanks to Pr Gérard Helft, cardiologist and president of the French Federation of Cardiology.