Cholesterol is essential for our body, it is used for making hormones, vitamin D, and many other things necessary for our body. But sometimes, high levels of cholesterol can be a significant cause of heart diseases.

Doctors often talk about two forms of cholesterol, good and bad cholesterol. In this article, we will discuss bad cholesterol, its role in vascular health, and how to maintain a healthy cholesterol level.

What is Bad Cholesterol?

Bad cholesterol is known as LDL (low-density lipoprotein). It is often considered bad, as it can stick to the walls of your arteries, causing plaque buildup that can block your arteries, leading to heart disease and stroke.

High levels of LDL can cause many health problems, such as atherosclerosis, heart diseases, and peripheral artery disease.

Types of Bad Cholesterol

There are two types of LDL cholesterol:.

Small, dense LDL: This type of LDL is more harmful than larger LDL. It is associated with a higher risk of heart diseases.
Large, fluffy LDL: This type of LDL is less harmful than small LDL. Its particle size is larger and less likely to get stuck on your artery walls.

Factors That Affect Bad Cholesterol Levels

Various factors contribute to high levels of bad cholesterol in your blood:.

Diet: Saturated fats and trans fats can increase the levels of LDL cholesterol in your blood.
Weight: Being overweight can lead to high levels of LDL cholesterol.
Physical activity: Lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to high levels of LDL cholesterol.
Genetics: Cholesterol disorders can run in families.
Age and gender: LDL cholesterol levels tend to rise with age and can also be higher in men than women before menopause.

How to Maintain a Healthy Cholesterol Level

Here are some ways to maintain a healthy cholesterol level:.

Eat a heart-healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help lower your bad cholesterol levels.
Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help raise your good cholesterol levels and lower your bad cholesterol levels.
Maintain a healthy weight: Losing weight can help lower your bad cholesterol levels.
Avoid smoking: Smoking can damage your blood vessels and raise your bad cholesterol levels.
Take medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications like statins to help lower your bad cholesterol levels.

Conclusion

Bad cholesterol, or LDL cholesterol, plays a crucial role in vascular health. Having high levels of LDL cholesterol can cause plaque buildup in your arteries, leading to heart diseases and stroke.

Maintaining a healthy cholesterol level involves a combination of a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. If you have high levels of LDL cholesterol, consult your doctor to devise a treatment plan that works best for you.