I like this article...something in this made me laugh. But mostly, i find such information interesting. Went for a health screening last year and was shocked to see that i had a cholesterol level bordering between normal and high. Started to get anxious, but then realised that it's because my HDL was REALLY high. Asked a doctor friend of mine what it all means, and she was surprised that my HDL was so high. Asked me if i exercised a lot. Strange. Didn't know exercise has any bearing on HDL level. Nothing mentioned in the article at least. Maybe i'll read up more. Meanwhile, waiting for my health screening report for this year to be out...

Oh, and i'm posting this article for someone's info...

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What are LDL and HDL?

LDL stands for “low density lipoprotein,” and HDL for “high density lipoprotein.” In the bloodstream, “bad” cholesterol is carried in LDL, and “good” cholesterol is carried in HDL. Most cholesterol in the blood comes from LDL. Only a small proportion is from HDL cholesterol. Thus, the total cholesterol level in the blood is usually a reflection of the amount of LDL cholesterol.

Why are high cholesterol levels bad?

When LDL cholesterol levels (i.e., the “bad” cholesterol) are too high, the LDL tends to stick the lining of the blood vessels, leading to the stimulation of “atherosclerosis,” or hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerotic “plaques” cause narrowing of the arteries, and lead to heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, an elevated LDL cholesterol levels is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Why is some cholesterol called “good cholesterol”?

Much evidence has now accumulated that increased HDL cholesterol levels are associated with a lower risk of heart disease, and that low HDL cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Thus, HDL cholesterol appears to be “good.”

Why is HDL cholesterol protective? Nobody knows for sure, but it appears that it’s not the cholesterol itself that is good, it’s the "vehicle." There is some evidence that the HDL molecule “scours” the walls of blood vessels, and cleans out excess cholesterol. If this is the case, the cholesterol being carried by HDL (that is, the “good” HDL cholesterol) is actually “bad” cholesterol that has just been removed from blood vessels, and is being transported back to the liver for further processing. Apparently, unlike some bad humans, bad cholesterol can be rehabilitated.

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hahahaaaa.....the body is SOoo amazing. It's like an intricate factory that runs by itself mostly, where everything fits perfectly and stuff are recycled and taken care of. Amazing.