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- $Unique_ID{BRK00542}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Why is HDL the "Good Cholesterol"}
- $Subject{blood cholesterol HDL Circulatory high density lipoprotein
- lipoproteins triglycerides}
- $Volume{G-7}
- $Log{
- Cholesterol*0002700.tid
- How Cholesterol Levels Affect the Arteries*0002701.scf
- HDL Transports Cholesterol Back to the Liver*0002702.scf
- Exercise Increases HDL*0002703.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
-
-
- Why is HDL the "Good Cholesterol"
-
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- QUESTION: Whenever the question of cholesterol is discussed, you read about
- the importance of the HDL. I know that this is the "good cholesterol," but I
- don't understand why. Can you enlighten me?
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- ANSWER: HDL or high density lipoprotein is considered good because it has two
- important actions that help when you have a high level of cholesterol. It has
- the ability to carry excess cholesterol found in body tissue back to the
- liver, where it undergoes a process of metabolism. It also helps remove
- another type fatty substance called triglycerides by improving the process by
- which they are removed from the blood circulation and oxidized by skeletal
- muscle. You can improve your HDL with a regular exercise program, which is
- even more effective if you are a nonsmoker. Alcohol in moderation (and I
- stress the word "moderation") is also known to elevate HDL, but physicians
- rarely recommend this as a means of increasing HDL levels because of the
- possibility of alcohol abuse. While we are becoming evermore aware of our
- cholesterol levels, many physicians now believe that the HDL level is equally
- important in the consideration of an individual's overall health appraisal and
- recommend blood tests which evaluate all of the blood lipids (fatty
- materials).
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-
-