Which blood lipids are linked to heart disease?
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 11, 2024.
Blood lipids include a type of fat called triglycerides and a waxy substance called cholesterol. Cholesterol has two components, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDH). High levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and low levels of HDL cholesterol are linked to heart disease.
High levels of LDL cholesterol, often called the “bad” cholesterol, are associated with heart disease. LDL cholesterol can stick to artery walls causing the formation of blockages or plaques. As the plaques build up (a condition called atherosclerosis) they reduce or block the flow of blood to the heart, which can result in chest pain and lead to a heart attack.
Low levels of HDL cholesterol, the “good” or “healthy” cholesterol, can also increase your risk of heart disease. HDL cholesterol is involved in removing the “bad” LDL cholesterol from your body. If your levels of HDL cholesterol are not high enough, then less of the “bad” cholesterol is removed.
High levels of triglycerides are also associated with heart disease because they can also cause a buildup of plaques. Triglycerides are stored in fat cells in your body and supply your body with energy between meals.
A lipid profile is a blood test that can tell you if you have high levels of lipids (hyperlipidaemia) in your blood.
Read next
What are the 10 most effective ways to lower cholesterol?
- Eat more oats and other soluble fiber
- Include more plant sterols or stanols
- Avoid trans fats
- Eat monounsaturated and polyunsaturated Fats
- Lose weight
- Exercise
- Don't drink alcohol
- Improve your gut health
- Stop smoking if you smoke
- Follow your doctor's advice about taking cholesterol-lowering medications
Is psyllium husk an affordable weight loss option to Ozempic?
While psyllium husk products like Metamucil may be more affordable than Ozempic, it may not be an equivalent alternative for weight loss. Head-to-head studies have not been done to compare these products, they have different actions in the body and separate studies have shown greater weight loss with Ozempic. Continue reading
Praluent vs Repatha: What's the difference?
The differences between Repatha (evolocumab) and Praluent (alirocumab) are their active ingredients, number of treatment indications, dosage forms available and number of strengths available in syringe and pens forms. Continue reading
Related medical questions
- What is the difference between Leqvio and Repatha?
- When should you take ezetimibe?
- Can Zetia (ezetimibe) cause liver damage?
- When is the best time to take simvastatin?
- How do you manage muscle pain with cholesterol drugs?
- What are PCSK9 Inhibitors and how do they work?
- Does Garlic interact with any drugs?
- How do you inject Repatha?
- When is the best time to take Zetia?
- Can you drink alcohol and take Repatha?
- Can I drink grapefruit juice with simvastatin?
- Does Leqvio cause weight gain?
- What should you know about "Statin" Medications?
- How is Leqvio injection administered?
- What is the mechanism of action for Leqvio (inclisiran)?
- Does Praluent (alirocumab) lower triglycerides?
- What's the buzz on Ozempic and Wegovy?
- Is Leqvio FDA approved as a high cholesterol treatment?
- How does Leqvio work in treating high cholesterol?
- Should I be Concerned about Prediabetes?
- Who is the actor in the Leqvio commercial?
- Where can I find the Leqvio FDA package insert?
- Is Evkeeza FDA approved as a high cholesterol treatment?
- Is Juxtapid FDA-approved as a high cholesterol treatment?
- What is the mechanism of action for Juxtapid (lomitapide)?
- How does Praluent work?
- Are Generic Drugs okay to take?
Related support groups
- High Cholesterol (102 questions, 269 members)
- Heart Disease (63 questions, 222 members)
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) (25 questions, 30 members)