If you have blood tests taken at regular intervals or if you take statins to control your cholesterol, you may already know your cholesterol status. The confusing part is there is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. Read on to learn how bariatric surgery impacts different cholesterol types.
Understanding LDL vs HDL
When you have blood work done, your doctor usually will do a lipid panel which checks for your cholesterol levels. These numbers are important as they give you information about your risk for heart disease or stroke. When your cholesterol is high, it increases your risk of heart attack and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the US.
Cholesterol itself is a waxy substance our body needs to make hormones and digest fat. However, not all cholesterol is the same.
- HDL is known as “good” cholesterol.
- LDL is recognized as “bad” cholesterol.
Foods you eat can be high in either type. Eggs, sardines, nuts, and berries are high in HDL or good cholesterol. Processed foods like meats, sugary desserts, and fast foods can be high in LDL or bad cholesterol.
If cholesterol builds up in your bloodstream, it can affect your heart’s ability to pump blood throughout the body. When your cholesterol levels rise and your heart has to work harder, it can be the catalyst for a high blood pressure, heart attack, or a stroke.
Who Is at Risk for High Cholesterol?
Even patients with a healthy BMI can be at risk just like someone who is obese. Those who are morbidly obese have an even higher risk.
Individuals who are more likely to have a higher level of LDL include:
- Smokers
- Those who eat lots of red meat
- People who consume fried foods
- Individuals who are not very active
The Value of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery can impact cholesterol levels. No one disputes that poor eating habits and high cholesterol are linked. Weight loss and changing dietary choices can prevent cholesterol issues and help lower LDL. This decrease in cholesterol corresponds and correlates to the loss of fat.
The main factor responsible for the decrease in cholesterol levels is weight loss.
In addition, studies have shown that it doesn’t matter which type of bariatric surgery you and your doctor choose, you will still realize real health benefits, weight loss, and reduced LDL.
For more information about bariatric surgery and its potential to improve your cholesterol levels, contact our team at Dignity Health Medical Group. Reach us at our Gilbert office at (480) 728-6590, our Chandler office at (602) 582-5233, or request an appointment through our secure online form.
Sources: Cholesterol: How Your Weight Might Play a Role (webmd.com)
What do your cholesterol numbers mean? | UnitedHealthcare (uhc.com)
