High LDL Levels

Overview

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is found in our bodies. Cholesterol is obtained from food. There are several types of cholesterol such as HDL (high-density lipoprotein) which are good cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein) which are bad cholesterol and need to be in low amount to avoid further complications. There is also VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) which is also bad cholesterol as it helps in building plaques in the body. A high-level LDL is not good because it causes a build-up of plaque in the arteries causing a condition called atherosclerosis. This can eventually lead to conditions such as coronary artery disease. The level of LDL can be known through a lipid profile investigation. There are many factors which can influence an increase in LDL level in bodies such as high-fat diet, overweight, lack of physical activity or exercise, medicines such as steroids and certain medical illness such as diabetes.