You've probably heard of cholesterol , right? You may have even seen this word in your blood report. There's nothing to be scared of when you hear the word cholesterol. However, there are different types of it, and it's important to know about them. Today we're going to talk about a member of the cholesterol family, and that's VLDL (Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein) . This name may be a bit new to you, but don't worry, let's explain it simply.
What is VLDL (Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein), friend?
Simply put, VLDL is a special type of particle that is made by our liver and then released into our blood. These belong to a group of proteins called lipoproteins .
Think about it, the fats in our blood, like cholesterol and triglycerides , don't move around in the blood on their own. They don't dissolve in water. So, these fats need a vehicle to transport them to different parts of the body. That vehicle is called lipoproteins. It's like a bus!
The main function of VLDL is to take triglycerides and some cholesterol and transport them to the places where they are needed in the body. In this way, VLDL helps our body to get energy, store energy, and also control blood pressure. So, they are very important for the normal functioning of our body.
However, here's something to keep in mind: If the amount of VLDL in the blood becomes too high , it can be dangerous. If that happens, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease increases.
What is inside these VLDL particles?
A VLDL particle is made up mostly of a type of fat called triglycerides . It also contains cholesterol , fatty acids, and a special type of protein called apolipoprotein B (apoB) . Research has found that elevated levels of this apoB in the blood are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
In fact, all lipoproteins are made up of fats and proteins. However, the amounts and types of these fats and proteins vary from one lipoprotein to another. Because VLDLs are so high in triglycerides , doctors sometimes call them "triglyceride-rich lipoproteins."
Are VLDL and VLDL cholesterol two different things?
This may seem a bit confusing, but it's easy to understand. Often, the terms "VLDL" and "VLDL cholesterol" are used interchangeably. However, there is a slight difference between the two that is important to know.
- VLDL refers to the lipoprotein particle we mentioned earlier. That is, the "vehicle" or "bus" that is made by the liver and carries fats and proteins in the blood.
- VLDL cholesterol refers to the cholesterol passengers on the VLDL bus. That is, the amount of cholesterol transported throughout the blood by the VLDL particle.
Other types of lipoproteins, such as LDL (Low-Density Lipoproteins) and HDL (High-Density Lipoproteins) , are similar to these other types of cholesterol. Each one carries different amounts and types of fats and proteins. That's why we also talk about LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol.
So is VLDL a type of "bad" cholesterol?
Yes, in short, if the amount of VLDL cholesterol in the blood is higher than necessary, it can be said to be "bad". Our body needs a certain amount of VLDL for its needs. However, if the level of VLDL increases, it increases the risk of atherosclerosis , that is, the formation of fatty deposits (plaque) inside the blood vessels (arteries). This is the root cause of many heart diseases.
How does VLDL contribute to atherosclerosis?
When our liver produces more VLDL than our body needs, the body metabolizes (breaks down) the extra VLDL. In this way, VLDL is first converted into IDL (Intermediate-Density Lipoproteins) and then LDL (Low-Density Lipoproteins) . These IDL and LDL are the types of lipoproteins that the body needs.
But, the problem is, if this LDL becomes more than the body needs, it can build up. When there is excess LDL in the blood, it can get stuck in the walls of the arteries, where fatty deposits (plaque) begin to form. As these fatty deposits gradually grow, they narrow the arteries and impede blood flow.
Research has found that an increase in VLDL levels along with an increase in LDL levels is more dangerous than an increase in either alone.
Not only that, when VLDL breaks down and LDL is formed, some " remnant particles " are left in the blood. These remnant particles also contain a lot of cholesterol. Because they are small in size, they easily penetrate the walls of the arteries and accelerate the process of atherosclerosis .
Atherosclerosis is a dangerous condition because it narrows your arteries, increasing your risk of developing various cardiovascular diseases. Here are a few examples:
- Coronary artery disease ( diseases of the arteries that supply blood to the heart)
- Cerebrovascular disease ( diseases in the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain, which can lead to conditions such as stroke)
- Peripheral artery disease ( diseases of the veins that supply blood to the arms and legs)
- Aortic aneurysm (a weakening and bulging of the aorta, the body's main blood vessel)
Which is worse, LDL or VLDL?
In fact, both LDL cholesterol and VLDL cholesterol contribute to the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in our arteries. So, it's hard to say that one is specifically "worse" than the other. Both are equally atherogenic, meaning they contribute to the process of fatty deposits in the arteries. So it's important to be aware of both.
How is VLDL cholesterol measured?
Doctors measure your VLDL cholesterol levels through a blood test called a lipid panel . This is a very common blood test.
This lipid panel shows the total cholesterol level in your blood. Not only that, but it also shows the levels of different types of cholesterol called HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol), and VLDL separately. Also, this test can tell you the level of triglycerides in your blood. Remember, we said that VLDL contains the most triglycerides.
Typically, labs don't measure your VLDL levels directly. Instead, they use your triglycerides levels to calculate your VLDL levels with a mathematical formula. In general, your triglycerides are about five times your VLDL levels.
However, if you have a severe condition called hypertriglyceridemia , which is when your triglyceride levels are very high, that math may not be as accurate. In that case, your doctor may use a different method to estimate your VLDL levels.
What is the normal range for VLDL cholesterol?
A normal, or healthy, level for VLDL is less than 30 milligrams per deciliter of blood ( < 30 mg/dL ). If your VLDL cholesterol level is 30 mg/dL or higher , it is considered high.
What happens if VLDL cholesterol is elevated?
The main thing is that elevated VLDL cholesterol levels increase the risk of cardiovascular disease .
However, because VLDL levels are calculated using a mathematical formula rather than being measured directly, and because VLDL is not the primary target for doctors when treating you, your doctor may not specifically talk to you about your VLDL level. Instead, he or she will focus more on other values, such as your LDL level and triglycerides , because those are the values that are primarily targeted for treatment.
Many people with high VLDL cholesterol levels may also have one or more of the following conditions at the same time:
- Increased triglyceride levels (Hypertriglyceridemia)
- Increased LDL cholesterol levels
- Increased total cholesterol level (Hyperlipidemia)
The good news is, there are several things you can do to reduce these types of fats (lipids) in your blood:
- Following a heart-healthy diet , such as the Mediterranean diet , which emphasizes vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats like olive oil.
- Exercise regularly . However, it is very important to talk to your doctor and get advice before you start a new exercise program.
- Maintain a healthy weight that suits your height and body type.
- If your doctor recommends it, take cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins .
In some cases, you may have an underlying medical condition that can cause your triglycerides to rise, which can also cause your VLDL cholesterol levels to rise. Also, some medications you take can cause both of these to rise. Therefore, it is important to talk openly with your doctor about what is causing your VLDL cholesterol levels to rise and what you can do to address them.
In your daily life, you probably don't think much about these lipoproteins that travel around in your blood. But if a doctor tells you that your cholesterol levels are high, you might start thinking about these particles and how they affect your health.
Finally, something to remember...
The most important thing is not to panic if you find out that your cholesterol levels are high. This is a condition that can often be controlled with lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication.
Talk to your doctor about what your VLDL level means to you and what you can do to improve it. He or she will give you the best advice. To stay healthy, it's best to be aware of these things and follow your doctor's advice!
` Cholesterol, VLDL, Triglycerides, Heart Disease, Lipid Panel, Atherosclerosis, Health
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