Cholesterol Explained: Good vs Bad & How to Lower Your Risk

By Dr. Benji Lim

Cholesterol is often misunderstood but knowing the difference between good and bad cholesterol can help you protect your heart. Too much of the wrong type increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of fat found in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol to build cells and hormones, but when levels get too high, it can become dangerous. Excess cholesterol, especially the bad kind, can clog your arteries and restrict blood flow.

Good vs. Bad Cholesterol

There are two main types of cholesterol:

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) – Often called bad cholesterol. LDL can build up in your artery walls, forming plaques that narrow or block blood vessels.
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) – Known as good cholesterol. HDL helps remove excess LDL cholesterol from your bloodstream, lowering your risk of heart disease.

A healthy balance between LDL and HDL is essential for heart health.

Why Some People Have High Cholesterol

While diet and exercise play a big role, genetics can also affect cholesterol levels. Some people may have high cholesterol even with a healthy lifestyle.

Two important inherited risk factors include:

Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH): A genetic condition that causes very high LDL cholesterol, often running in families.
Lipoprotein(a): A type of cholesterol particle. High levels can increase cardiovascular risk regardless of your LDL level.

If these conditions are present, medical management is often necessary.

How to Lower Your Risk

The good news is that high cholesterol can be managed and controlled. Strategies include:

Healthy diet: Choose more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and limit foods high in saturated and trans fats.
Regular exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week can boost HDL and lower LDL.
Medications when needed: Statins are proven to lower LDL cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk. Your doctor may recommend these if lifestyle changes aren’t enough.

Why Managing Cholesterol Matters

Keeping cholesterol under control is one of the most important ways to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Many people don’t know they have high cholesterol until it’s too late—so early detection is key.

If you’re unsure about your cholesterol numbers or wondering whether you need treatment, make an appointment with your doctor. A simple blood test can help assess your risk and guide the right plan for your heart health.

✅ Takeaway: Cholesterol isn’t all bad, but too much of the wrong type can be life-threatening. Know your numbers, adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle, and seek medical advice when needed.

Author

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