LDL, HDL, ApoB, Lp(a), and why your total cholesterol tells you very little
Blood lipid markers you need to know
LDL cholesterol which is often called the bad type moves fats to the blood vessels. When there is too much of it in the blood it can build up on vessel walls and raise the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Apolipoprotein B reflects the total number of potentially harmful atherogenic particles including LDL and is considered the most precise marker for cardiovascular risk.
HDL cholesterol which is often called the good type acts like a cleaning system. It carries excess cholesterol back to the liver where it is broken down.
Lipoprotein (a) is a genetically determined particle that is similar to LDL. A high level can significantly increase the risk of heart disease because it promotes the formation of deposits in the vessels. This value is hardly influenced by nutrition or exercise which makes knowing it especially important.
