Cholesterol and other fats in our bloodstreamCholesterol is not very soluble in water; therefore it must be carried around our bloodstream in various transport molecules. Certain proteins called apolipoproteins can wrap around cholesterol and other blood fats (lipids) to form what is called lipoproteins; these are essentially a combination of protein and fat. A description of the major fats in the bloodstream follows: Chylomicrons These are the largest lipoproteins, and mainly transport fat from the intestines to the liver. They mainly carry triglyceride fats and cholesterol which came from the diet, and those manufactured by the liver. Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) These are the lowest density lipoproteins because they are highest in fat; (the more dense the liproprotein, the more protein it contains). VLDLs are made in the liver and deliver triglycerides to various tissues, especially muscle (for energy production), and body fat (for storage). Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) This is the so called "bad cholesterol". It is the major transporter of cholesterol and triglycerides, taking them from the liver to other parts of the body, where they can be used for various functions. You need your levels of LDL to be as low as possible. There are other types of LDL: Small dense LDL This form of LDL is more likely to be taken up into the inner lining of arteries and promote atherosclerosis. Oxidized LDL This is what happens when free radicals cause damage to LDL molecules. This makes them more likely to promote damage to the inner lining of arteries, and for atherosclerosis to develop. High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) This is the so called "good cholesterol". It is high in protein, which makes it denser and lower in cholesterol. This lipoprotein takes cholesterol from various parts of the body to the liver, where it can be excreted in bile. HDL carries antioxidant enzymes and vitamins to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. You want your HDL to be as high as possible. Triglycerides These are a storage form of fat, made up of three fatty acids attached to a glycerol molecule. High triglyceride levels in the blood make it thick and sticky; they are a major risk factor for heart disease. Both excess carbohydrate and fat in our diet are converted into triglycerides in the liver. Lipoprotein (a) This particle is similar to LDL, but carries a sticky repair protein called apolipoprotein (a) which is used for tissue repair. It is a major risk factor for heart disease because it thickens the walls of the arteries. *3/53/5* CHOLESTEROL «Prescription Medications» |