Vldl and LDL: what is the difference between these two types of cholesterol? & bull; hello healthy

Cholesterol is a substance that is needed by the body but must be in a balanced and controlled amount. According to the Indonesian Ministry of Health, the body needs cholesterol to make hormones (such as testosterone, cortisol, and estrogen), vitamin D, and bile acids to help digest fat from food. To understand cholesterol further, there are several types of cholesterol such as HDL, VLDL and LDL. What are the differences and their effects on our bodies?

HDL and LDL

As mentioned earlier, cholesterol is needed by the body and this "good" cholesterol is called HDL (High Density Lipoprotein). HDL works in the body by bringing cholesterol from other parts of the body back to the liver. Then, cholesterol will be broken down in the liver so that it is lost from your body.

On the other hand, there is LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) what is known is the "bad" cholesterol. High levels of LDL or when there is a buildup of LDL in the body, will make blood vessels prone to clogging and trigger various diseases such as strokes and heart disease.

Apart from LDL, there is also VLDL (Very Low Density Lipoprotein) . VLDL and LDL are both cholesterol that can harm you.

What is VLDL?

VLDL stands for Very Low Density Lipoprotein which is produced by the liver and then released through the bloodstream. VLDL mostly carries triglycerides to tissues in the body.

VLDL and LDL are called bad cholesterol because they can cause plaque buildup in the arteries. This buildup of fat in the blood vessels is called atherosclerosis. If left untreated, plaque caused by the buildup of LDL and VLDL can harden and narrow blood vessels.

If blood flow is obstructed due to narrowed blood vessels, oxygen cannot be flowed properly. So that it can cause coronary heart disease and others.

Difference between VLDL and LDL

The main difference between VLDL and LDL is that they both have different percentages of cholesterol, protein and triglycerides that make up each lipoprotein. VLDL contains more triglycerides while LDL contains more cholesterol.

The main components of VLDL and LDL

VLDL consists of: 10% cholesterol, 70% triglycerides, 10% protein and 10% other fats.
LDL consists of: 26% cholesterol, 10% triglycerides, 25% protein and 15% other fats.

The triglycerides carried by VLDL are used by cells in the body for energy. Consuming too many carbohydrates or sugar and not being burned properly, can cause an excessive amount of triglycerides.

Some of the excess triglycerides are stored in fat cells and will be released later when the body needs more energy.

LDL serves to carry cholesterol throughout your body. Too much cholesterol in your body causes high LDL levels. High LDL levels are also linked to plaque buildup in your arteries.

In essence, when VLDL and LDL levels are not controlled and soar high, you are at risk of developing clogged arteries. Therefore, these two substances are said to be bad cholesterol if the level has exceeded normal limits.

How to find out the level

LDL may be more familiar to your ears because you can find out the level with a regular blood test. Meanwhile, if you want to know the VLDL level, first you need to do a blood test as in general to find out the triglyceride level. Then the lab can use the data on your triglyceride level to find out the VLDL level.

The VLDL level is usually about one-fifth of your triglyceride level. However, estimating VLDL this way is not applicable if your triglyceride level is too high.

The level or level of cholesterol in the body certainly should not be underestimated. Moreover, the type of cholesterol can cause blockage of blood vessels such as VLDL and LDL. For that, pay attention to food intake and if cholesterol levels are still high, consult a doctor immediately.