05/27/2026
HDL and LDL are not actually cholesterol. They are lipoproteins that CARRY cholesterol through the bloodstream.
LDL carries cholesterol from the liver out to tissues, while HDL helps bring excess cholesterol back to the liver for recycling and removal.
This is where apolipoproteins come into the conversation.
ApoB is found on potentially atherogenic particles like LDL. Think of ApoB like a particle count. More ApoB can mean more particles capable of contributing to plaque formation.
ApoA1 is the primary protein found on HDL particles and is associated with reverse cholesterol transport.
The concern is not simply that cholesterol exists. The concern is what happens when lipoproteins become damaged, oxidized, or elevated in unhealthy metabolic environments over time.
Things like chronic inflammation, smoking, insulin resistance, high blood sugar, poor sleep, sedentary lifestyle, and chronic stress can all contribute to cardiovascular disease risk.
And contrary to what many people still believe, dietary cholesterol alone is not always directly reflected in blood cholesterol levels. Your liver makes most of your body’s cholesterol, and research shows people respond VERY differently to dietary fat and cholesterol intake.
You’ll hear me mention omega-3s and CoQ10 in this video. These are often discussed in cardiovascular health conversations because of their potential roles in inflammation, oxidative stress, triglyceride support, and cellular energy production.
That being said, supplements are not a replacement for medical care, and depending on someone’s cardiovascular risk profile, a provider may still recommend a statin or other lipid-lowering therapy.
References:
Fernandez ML. Nutrients. 2022.
AHA Scientific Advisory. Circulation. 2019.
Soliman GA. Nutrients. 2018.
