What it means
Cholesterol travels in the blood packed in proteins. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) can build up in artery walls as plaque (atherosclerosisath-er-oh-skluh-ROH-sisA buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) inside the walls of the arteries.ather/o fatty pastescler/o hard-osis conditionFull entry ); high-density lipoproteinhy-DEN-sih-tee lip-oh-PROH-teenA particle in the blood that carries cholesterol away from the arteries to the liver; its level is part of a lipid panel.lip/o fatprotein proteinFull entry (HDL) carries cholesterol back to the liver. A desirable total cholesterol for adults is below 200 mg/dL [5.2 mmol/L]. Diet, weight, exercise, smoking and genes all affect the levels, and statinSTAT-inA drug that lowers cholesterol by blocking an enzyme the liver uses to make it.Full entry s are the main drugs that lower them.
For the nurse
A lipid panel is often drawn after fasting, as ordered. Teach a diet low in saturated and trans fat and high in fiber, regular activity and not smoking.
At a glance
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Related terms
coronary artery disease
Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, most often from fatty plaque buildup.
atherosclerosis
A buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) inside the walls of the arteries.
high-density lipoprotein
A particle in the blood that carries cholesterol away from the arteries to the liver; its level is part of a lipid panel.
statin
A drug that lowers cholesterol by blocking an enzyme the liver uses to make it.