PLTW (Project Lead The Way)

Why do doctors monitor the concentrations of LDL and HDL in patients' blood?

[Paxiled]

LDL is bad for you if it's too high, HDL is good for you and counterbalances the harmful effects of LDL.  Both are constituents of cholesterol, which is necessary for human survival, but is harmful when it oxidizes and forms plaque on the blood vessel walls, inhibiting circulation.  They also monitor triglycerides, the worst form of cholesterol.  

[Alisonj29]

I agree with Paxiled. I have great numbers except for my HDL levels which are too low. Its good that they found that out because it can be a contributing factor to heart disease etc. and my father died at 40 from a heart attack. So I have mine monitored every 6 mnths to see if it is rising and if not I will have to take medication. It is really a screening tool.