May 16, 2025: A sticky kind of LDL & numbers to know

Cholesterol is not our enemy. We need it for life as it’s in almost every cell membrane. But too much of one type of cholesterol — known as low-density lipoprotein, or LDL for short — can lead to plaques in our arteries.

What’s your LDL number? A blood test will tell.

Avoid moldy food. It’s all too easy for mold to grow where it’s not supposed to be; such as on fruit, vegetables, and bread and dairy products.

If you see mold in a packet of fruit, like on strawberries or raspberries, it’s wise to throw out the whole packet, as mold spores travel and the whole packet is likely to be contaminated. Molds can cause allergic reactions.

So, if in doubt, throw it out.

One sticky type of LDL cholesterol: One type of LDL cholesterol is particularly sticky and causes problems. It’s called lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a), for short. How much Lp(a) we have is determined by our genes.

Less than 1% of Americans are tested for Lp(a). It’s not included in a standard lipid panel, but you can ask for it. Worth including when you check your LDL numbers.

One Quote

“Basically, I have been compelled by curiosity.”

Mary Leakey