VLDL Cholesterol

VLDL stands for very low density lipoprotein. It is one of the three types of lipoproteins made in the liver. The other types of lipoproteins include high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL). These lipoproteins consist of triglycerides, cholesterol and apolipoproteins in different proportions and act as the body's internal transport device for cholesterol and lipids. VLDL cholesterol comprises maximum amount of triglycerides, whereas LDL contains the maximum amount of cholesterol. Both LDL and VLDL are referred to as a bad lipoproteins. High levels of these lipoproteins are usually indicative of high levels of cholesterol in the human body. If the level of bad cholesterol in your body is very high, then you might be at an increased risk of developing serious health problems. High Density Lipoprotein contains the highest amount of proteins. It aids in moving the LDL towards the liver and out of our system and is therefore, called good cholesterol.

VLDL Cholesterol and Triglycerides

VLDL constitutes our body's primary source of energy particularly during prolonged periods of fasting. Our body converts the calories consumed into triglycerides. If we consume more calories than is burned, the excess triglycerides produced are then stored in the form of fat cells. These fat cells are released by the body during the periods between meals and when more calories are burned than consumed. This then provides the body with the needed energy. High levels of very low density lipoprotein cholesterol may indicate that there is too much of cholesterol in the body which is also referred to as hyperlipidemia. The cause of this excessive cholesterol or hyperlipidemia may either be due to the individual's own genetic predisposition and/or poor dietary habits.

Normal Range for VLDL

One can determine the cholesterol levels with the help of blood tests. In case of healthy individuals, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol must lie between 5 to 40 mg/dL. VLDL levels are ascertained or measured from our triglyceride levels. If one's triglyceride levels are higher than 400 mg/dL, then one might have high levels of this bad cholesterol. Doctors generally look at the levels of VLDL as well as LDL and HDL cholesterol. Performing these tests helps them to understand the risks associated with elevated levels of cholesterol. As mentioned earlier, the high levels of cholesterol may be from genetic predisposition or even lifestyle issues. High levels of VLDL have been linked to coronary heart diseases such as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis involves both the stiffening as well narrowing of the arteries. This makes one prone to the chances of developing heart diseases such as a stroke or a heart attack. So if VLDL levels are high, your doctor could also ask you to get a coronary risk profiling done.

Lowering Bad Cholesterol

How can one avoid elevated levels of cholesterol which are ultimately linked to heart disease? How to reduce cholesterol naturally? This would obviously involve making changes to one's diet and lifestyle. Triglyceride levels are known to spike up after the consumption of alcohol. Tobacco is known to damage the arteries and lower the HDL or good cholesterol levels. It is therefore recommended that one must refrain from the consumption of chewing tobacco and alcohol. Obesity could also make one susceptible. People who are overweight should try to keep a tab on their weight. Simple changes to your lifestyle can work wonders and improve your heart's health. Take the stairs instead of the lift and walk instead of taking out the car. If you are in the high risk category do visit your doctor regularly. Regular exercise coupled with healthy eating habits can go a very long way in lowering cholesterol levels. Make sure that you include foods that lower triglycerides in your diet.

If your blood tests reveal high levels of bad cholesterol, make certain changes to your lifestyle for lowering triglycerides naturally. This will help in eliminating your chances of suffering from serious heart ailments.