LDL Cholesterol Overview:

LDL cholesterol stands for low-density lipoproteins and is also known as bad cholesterol.  These lipoproteins help carry cholesterol in the arteries.  When there is an excess amount of cholesterol in the arteries, the cholesterol begins to build up and can cause narrowing of the arteries and may lead to blockages.  This is known as atherosclerosis.  These blockages can lead to heart attacks or strokes.

LDL Cholesterol Causes:

Cholesterol is mainly caused by poor diet combined with genetic disposition.  People who have high-saturated fatty diets generally have high cholesterol levels.  Diabetes and thyroid, liver, and kidney disease can affect the cholesterol levels as well as some medications.  Also weight gain and lack of physical activity can increase cholesterol levels.

LDL Cholesterol Symptoms:

Symptoms for LDL cholesterol are not generally notable.  Most of the time people do not know their cholesterol levels are high until they have had a heart attack, vascular disease, or stroke.  It is important to get blood tests and keep track of cholesterol levels especially if you do have a poor diet or have a genetic disposition.  Some people do develop fatty deposits on the skin and in the tendons (known as xanthomas), may have abdominal pain or may have swelling in the liver and spleen.