Differences, Causes, and Treatments of VLDL and LDL Cholesterol Levels
High Levels of VLDL and LDL Cholesterol: A Threat to Cardiovascular Health
VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein) and LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein), often referred to as 'bad cholesterol', play a significant role in the development of cardiovascular diseases.
VLDL, produced by the liver to transport triglycerides to the bloodstream, is rich in fat and is highly atherogenic. Elevated VLDL levels (above 30–40 mg/dL) are linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk. High VLDL levels signal poor fat metabolism and can lead to the buildup of plaque in arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This plaque narrows arteries, potentially leading to clogged arteries that cause heart attacks or strokes.
On the other hand, LDL carries cholesterol to tissues but can deposit it in artery walls. When LDL levels are high, it accumulates and oxidizes in vascular walls, forming plaques that narrow blood vessels (atherosclerosis). This increases the risk of serious conditions such as angina, myocardial infarction (heart attack), cerebral infarction, and stroke. High LDL is a major risk factor for these diseases, especially when combined with other factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking.
Regular cholesterol testing is recommended every 4-6 years for everyone over the age of 20 years. A doctor can measure someone's cholesterol levels with a simple blood test, which is usually part of a cholesterol test called a lipid or lipoprotein panel.
To lower LDL cholesterol, people should lower their dietary intake of saturated fat to less than 6% of their total daily calories, minimize trans fats, and focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, skinless poultry, lean pork, baked or grilled fatty fish, and avoid or limit fried foods, full-fat dairy products, processed meats, red meat, sodium, sugar-sweetened foods and drinks, tropical oils. Additionally, maintaining a moderate weight, stopping smoking, and taking regular exercise can help lower LDL levels.
Unhealthful lifestyle choices, family history, smoking, alcoholism, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, some genetic syndromes, and certain medical conditions can lead to excessive VLDL and LDL levels. In such cases, doctors may prescribe medications such as statins, ezetimibe, bile-acid-binding agents, PCSK9 inhibitors, fibrates, niacin, and omega-3 fatty acids to lower cholesterol levels.
In conclusion, both high VLDL and LDL contribute to plaque formation and narrowing of arteries, but VLDL is more associated with triglyceride transport and metabolic issues (like insulin resistance), whereas LDL specifically raises cholesterol-related cardiovascular risk. Their combined elevation dramatically raises the chance of life-threatening cardiovascular events due to arterial blockage. It is crucial to maintain a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle to prevent high VLDL and LDL levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
[1] American Heart Association. (2021). Understanding Blood Cholesterol: What It Is and Why It Matters. [online] Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/understanding-blood-cholesterol
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). High Cholesterol: Symptoms and Causes. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-cholesterol/symptoms-causes/syc-20351136
[3] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). What Are the Key Facts About High Cholesterol? [online] Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/high-blood-cholesterol#:~:text=High%20blood%20cholesterol%20refers%20to,your%20body%20cannot%20use%20or%20get%20rid%20of%20it%20fast%20enough.
- Science has shown that VLDL and LDL, often dubbed 'bad cholesterol', play a significant role in the development of chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases.
- In the workplace-wellness setting, understanding the link between high levels of VLDL and LDL and cardiovascular health is crucial for implementing effective health-and-wellness programs.
- Medical-conditions such as hypothyroidism, kidney disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, and certain genetic syndromes can lead to excessive VLDL and LDL levels.
- Besides dietary adjustments, therapies-and-treatments like statins, ezetimibe, and niacin are often prescribed to manage high levels of these cholesterols.
- Fitness-and-exercise, along with mental-health strategies, should be emphasized in workplace-wellness initiatives as they aid in weight-management, a vital aspect of cardiovascular health.
- Skin care, traditionally not considered a part of cardiovascular health, can indirectly affect it through improved overall health, as healthy skin is a sign of a balanced body.
- Regular medical check-ups, including nutrition assessment and cholesterol testing, are essential measures to monitor and manage the risk factors associated with these cholesterols, as part of Medicare's preventive services.
