Which blood lipids are linked to heart disease?
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 11, 2023.
Blood lipids include a type of fat called triglycerides and a waxy substance called cholesterol. Cholesterol has two components, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDH). High levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and low levels of HDL cholesterol are linked to heart disease.
High levels of LDL cholesterol, often called the “bad” cholesterol, are associated with heart disease. LDL cholesterol can stick to artery walls causing the formation of blockages or plaques. As the plaques build up (a condition called atherosclerosis) they reduce or block the flow of blood to the heart, which can result in chest pain and lead to a heart attack.
Low levels of HDL cholesterol, the “good” or “healthy” cholesterol, can also increase your risk of heart disease. HDL cholesterol is involved in removing the “bad” LDL cholesterol from your body. If your levels of HDL cholesterol are not high enough, then less of the “bad” cholesterol is removed.
High levels of triglycerides are also associated with heart disease because they can also cause a buildup of plaques. Triglycerides are stored in fat cells in your body and supply your body with energy between meals.
A lipid profile is a blood test that can tell you if you have high levels of lipids (hyperlipidaemia) in your blood.
Read next
Related medical questions
- What are the side effects of beta blockers?
- Is cardiovascular disease the same as heart disease or coronary heart disease?
- Can an EKG detect heart disease?
- How do you reverse heart disease naturally?
- What’s the fastest way to lower blood pressure safely?
- Is excessive sweating a sign of heart disease?
- What is Trimetazidine used for?
- ECG vs EKG - What's the difference between them?
- What is Quercetin and what are its health benefits?
- Is high blood pressure considered heart disease?
- What is levosimendan used for?
- Can proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) be used long-term?
- How many people die from heart disease every year in the US?
- Which behaviors reduce your risk for heart disease?
- How do you know if you have heart disease?
- How are hypertension, heart disease and stroke related?
- How does excessive drinking contribute to heart disease?
- Does COVID-19 cause heart injury?
- High blood pressure or heart disease: Which drugs should I be careful with?
- What are the 10 most effective ways to lower cholesterol?
- Praluent vs Repatha: What's the difference?
- What is the difference between Leqvio and Repatha?
- Can Zetia (ezetimibe) cause liver damage?
- When should you take ezetimibe?
- What are PCSK9 Inhibitors and how do they work?
- When is the best time to take simvastatin?
- How do you inject Repatha?
- How do you manage muscle pain with cholesterol drugs?
- When is the best time to take Zetia?
- Does Garlic interact with any drugs?
Related support groups
- Heart Disease (59 questions, 220 members)
- High Cholesterol (97 questions, 267 members)
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) (25 questions, 29 members)