What is the difference between “good” and “bad” cholesterol?

Jamon R. Pruitt, M.D.

There are two types of cholesterol:

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often called the “bad” type of cholesterol because it can clog the arteries that carry blood to your heart. For LDL, lower numbers are better. An LDL number of less than 100 mg/dL is best.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as “good” cholesterol because it takes the bad cholesterol out of your blood and keeps it from building up in your arteries. For HDL, higher numbers are better. An HDL number of more than 60 mg/dL is best.

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This entry was posted on February 9, 2010 at 9:20 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

One Response to “What is the difference between “good” and “bad” cholesterol?”

Kelley Boles Says:
July 28, 2010 at 9:53 pm | Reply
Is it possible for an individual’s HDL to be too low? If yes, then what are the long term implications and what can be done to raise HDL levels without unduly raising LDL levels?

–Kelley