Good cholesterol (HDL) cleans your arteries by carrying excess cholesterol to the liver. Bad cholesterol (LDL) does the opposite and builds up in your artery walls, raising your risk of heart attack and stroke. Understanding both is key to protecting your heart. Here is what you need to know.
LDL: The Bad Cholesterol
How It Harms Your Heart
LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein. When there is too much LDL in your blood, it sticks to your artery walls and forms plaque. Over time, this narrows your arteries and makes them stiff, a condition called atherosclerosis.
According to the American Heart Association, LDL increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
A healthy LDL level is below 100 mg/dL. Over a third of the U.S. population has high LDL cholesterol, according to Harvard Health.
HDL: The Good Cholesterol
Your Body’s Natural Cleanup Crew
HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein. Think of it as a garbage truck for your arteries. It picks up excess LDL and carries it back to the liver, where it gets broken down and removed from the body.
Higher HDL levels are better. A level of 60 mg/dL or above helps protect against heart disease, according to the CDC.
Quick Reference: Cholesterol Numbers at a Glance
| Type | Healthy Level | Goal |
| LDL (Bad) | Below 100 mg/dL | Lower is better |
| HDL (Good) | 60 mg/dL or above | Higher is better |
| Total Cholesterol | Below 200 mg/dL | Keep it balanced |
How to Improve Your Numbers
Small changes make a big difference. Regular exercise can raise HDL by 5 to 10%. Cutting saturated fat lowers LDL. Quitting smoking also improves both numbers quickly.
Good cholesterol management starts with knowing your numbers. A simple blood test at your annual physical gives you the full picture. Left untreated, high LDL can lead to heart disease.
Final Thoughts
The difference between good and bad cholesterol comes down to one simple idea: HDL helps, LDL harms. Keeping LDL low and HDL high is one of the best things you can do for your heart. If you have not checked your cholesterol recently, contact Yorktown Health Lisle and schedule a checkup today.