What's the Difference Between LDL and HDL Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is found in the bloodstream and in all your body's cells. It's normal to have cholesterol. It's an important part of a healthy body because it's used to build new cells, insulate nerves, and produce hormones.

One type of cholesterol is low-density lipoprotein or LDL — known as "bad" cholesterol. If too much LDL circulates in the blood, it can slowly build up in the walls of the arteries that flow to the heart and brain. This buildup hardens and becomes plaque, increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease.

The other type of cholesterol is high-density lipoprotein or HDL — known as "good" cholesterol. Your body makes HDL cholesterol for your protection. Studies show that high levels of HDL cholesterol reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

What Are Healthy Levels of Cholesterol?
A small sample of blood is analyzed to determine the total cholesterol level (TC), the level of LDL cholesterol, the level of HDL cholesterol, the level of triglycerides, and the ratio of TC to HDL. Levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter (one tenth of a liter) of blood or mg/dL.

Only in the last few years have HDL cholesterol levels been recognized as an independent risk factor for heart disease. This means that even if your total cholesterol and LDL levels are healthy, if you have an HDL level less than 35 mg/dL you have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

What Are the Dangers of Stain Drugs?
Because statins are a synthetic drug (not natural), they may produce dangerous side effects. In fact, unknown to the public and even most doctors, the side effects of statin drugs can be life threatening.

The Statin Effects Study, conducted by the University of California, San Diego, warns that statin side effects include possible liver and muscle damage — the most common and well known side effects.

However, this study also lists lesser known side effects of statins:

• Changes in memory, attention, or concentration
• Depression and irritability
• Pain
• Peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness or burning pain)
• Other side effects: Sleep problems, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, dizziness and a sense of detachment are also reported with these drugs. Additionally, people have mentioned experiencing swelling, shortness of breath, vision changes, changes in temperature regulation, weight change, hunger, breast enlargement, blood sugar changes, dry skin, rashes, blood pressure changes, nausea, upset stomach, bleeding, and ringing in ears or other noises

Drug manufacturers claim that only an insignificant number of patients are actually affected by the side effects of statin drugs. But is it insignificant if it happens to you?