Cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) are all important factors when determining your risk for heart disease and stroke. Triglycerides, LDL, and HDL are all components of your cholesterol level. It is important to consult your doctor in addition to doing your own research on cholesterol-related health.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in your cell membranes, your liver, and floating through your bloodstream by way of lipoproteins. Cholesterol is vital to maintaining the strength of your cells, but too much of certain kinds of cholesterol can be detrimental.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are the dietary fats that are transported by lipoproteins, along with cholesterol, through your bloodstream. In large amounts, triglycerides are a major link to heart disease, particularly if your HDL levels are low.

LDL

LDL is known as "bad" cholesterol. LDL carries most of the cholesterol in your blood and is the unhealthy form. LDL can weaken arteries and leads to stroke and heart disease.

HDL

HDL is known as "good" cholesterol. It is a spherical form made mostly of protein and is the most dense of lipoproteins. HDL is the healthy form. HDL transports LDL away from your arteries and deposits it into your liver, and it acts as a antioxidant.

Testing

When you have your cholesterol tested, your doctor will analyze your blood for HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. The cholesterol test will also measure the quantity of lipoproteins. A healthy blood test will indicate a high HDL, low LDL, and low triglycerides, as well as a low ratio of total cholesterol to HDL, preferably 3.5:1 or less.

Source:

Cholesterol Down: 10 Simple Steps to Lower Your Cholesterol in 4 Weeks--Without Prescription Drugs; Janet Bond Brill, Ph.D., R.D., LDN; 2006

What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Cholesterol: The Latest Natural Treatments and Scientific Advances in One Breakthrough Program; Stephen R. Devries, M.D.; 2007

Resource:

The Mayo Clinic