What are good and bad cholesterol?

You may have heard there are two primary types of cholesterol you should be familiar with: good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. But what does this really mean?

good vs bad cholesterol; hdl vs ldl

Bad cholesterol = LDL

  • Technically known as low-density lipoprotein or LDL
  • It carries cholesterol through the bloodstream to different tissues; this is why they call it “bad.”
  • It can accumulate in the walls of your arteries—this is called plaque1,2
  • Gradually, plaque narrows and hardens the arteries (atherosclerosis) and restricts the flow of blood to organs such as the heart or the brain—which can lead to a heart attack or stroke1

The higher the LDL number, the higher your risk of heart disease—so try to lower your LDL number.2

Good cholesterol = HDL

  • Technically known as high-density lipoprotein or HDL
  • It takes cholesterol from around the body and returns it to the liver, where it is removed from your body; this is why it is called “good” cholesterol1

The lower the HDL number, the higher your risk of heart disease—so try to increase your HDL number.2

Can high cholesterol be managed?

Yes. High cholesterol can be managed through lifestyle choices such as a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and losing excess weight.2,3 If those changes aren’t enough, your doctor may prescribe medication.2

It’s important to note: It’s never too late to start taking action to lower your bad cholesterol and increase your good cholesterol to lower heart disease risk.2

How do I find out if I have high cholesterol?

Talk to your doctor about getting tested. They will use a blood test called a lipoprotein profile.2 After a 9- to 12-hour fast, a small sample of blood is taken to determine your cholesterol level.2

What is cholesterol?
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What do your cholesterol numbers mean?
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What is TriCor?
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USES AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Uses for TriCor® (fenofibrate) Tablets4

  • TriCor should only be used when other measures, such as diet and exercise, have not been enough.
  • TriCor is a prescription medicine used along with diet in adults to lower triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL (bad) cholesterol, and to increase HDL (good) cholesterol.
  • TriCor is also used along with diet in adults to lower severely high triglycerides. Improving blood sugar control in certain people with diabetes may prevent the need for cholesterol drug therapy.
  • TriCor was not shown to reduce the risk of having heart problems in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Important Safety Information for TriCor4

  • TriCor should not be taken by people with liver, gallbladder, or severe kidney disease; nursing mothers; or those allergic to any product ingredient.
  • TriCor has not been shown to lower your risk of having heart problems or a stroke.
  • TriCor can cause serious liver injury, including liver transplantation and death. Tell your doctor if you have signs or symptoms of liver injury including dark urine, abnormal stool, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), malaise (feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness), abdominal pain, myalgia (muscle pain), weight loss, pruritus (itching), or nausea. Blood tests are needed before and during treatment with TriCor to check for liver problems.
  • TriCor can cause muscle problems. Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness may be a sign of a serious but rare muscle problem and should be reported to your healthcare provider right away. The risk of a serious muscle problem may be higher when TriCor is given with statins. If you take a statin tell your healthcare provider.
  • Some people require blood tests to check for kidney problems while taking TriCor.
  • TriCor may cause inflammation (swelling) of the gallbladder or pancreas. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
  • Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including all prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
  • TriCor may cause serious allergic-type reactions, blood clots, and possible changes in some blood test values.
  • If you are pregnant or may become pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider about TriCor. It is not known if TriCor will harm your unborn baby.
  • The most common side effects with TriCor include increases in liver or muscle enzymes measured by blood tests and congestion or allergy-like symptoms in the nose.

For more information, talk with your healthcare provider.

References: 1. National Institutes of Health/US National Library of Medicine. Cholesterol. https://medlineplus.gov/cholesterol.html. Updated May 21, 2021. Accessed June 21, 2021. 2. US Department of Health and Human Services/National Institutes of Health/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Your Guide to Lowering Your Cholesterol With TLC. NIH Publication No 06-5235. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/heart/chol_tlc.pdf. Published December 2005. Accessed June 21, 2021. 3. Mayo Clinic. High cholesterol. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/symptoms-causes/syc-20350800. Accessed June 21, 2021. 4. TriCor [package insert]. North Chicago, IL: AbbVie Inc.

Please see the full Prescribing Information for TriCor and discuss it with your doctor.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

If you are having difficulty paying for your medicine, AbbVie may be able to help. Visit AbbVie.com/myAbbVieAssist to learn more.

If you have any questions about AbbVie’s TriCorTablets.com website that have not been answered, click here. This website and the information contained herein is intended for use by U.S. residents only, is provided for informational purposes only, and is not intended to replace a discussion with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider and take into consideration the unique characteristics of each patient.

USES AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Uses for TriCor® (fenofibrate) Tablets4

  • TriCor should only be used when other measures, such as diet and exercise, have not been enough.
  • TriCor is a prescription medicine used along with diet in adults to lower triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL (bad) cholesterol, and to increase HDL (good) cholesterol.
  • TriCor is also used along with diet in adults to lower severely high triglycerides. Improving blood sugar control in certain people with diabetes may prevent the need for cholesterol drug therapy.
  • TriCor was not shown to reduce the risk of having heart problems in patients with type 2 diabetes.