Elizabeth A. Triana, MD

What is Cholesterol and Where Does it Come From?

Cholesterol is a type of fatty particle found in the animal food products we eat. Most of the circulating cholesterol is manufactured by our own bodies in our liver. Dietary cholesterol is not found in plant products.

What are the Bad and Good Cholesterol?

Bad Cholesterol is the small particle LDL (low density lipoprotein). The particle is so small it can slip between cells in the wall of blood vessels and set up a complex irritation cycle (inflammation) which can narrow the vessels by forming plaque which can rupture leading to heart attack, stroke and peripheral vascular occlusion.

Good Cholesterol is the large particle HDL (high density lipoprotein). It functions as a cleaner particle helping to transport the LDL cholesterol back to the liver, sort of a physiologic sanitary engineer.

At the Triana Prevention Center advanced testing identifies the size and quantity of good and bad cholesterol particles so we can create individualized treatment to maximize the good and minimize bad cholesterol, as well as monitoring other factors associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

For an initial appointment call 941-625-1990.

Newsletter Volume 1 - Number 4