What are HDL and LDL cholesterol?

So what are the differences between the two types of cholesterol: HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and LDL (Low-density lipoprotein)? One is good and one is bad, but what does that mean?

HDL (high-density
lipoprotein)
  • Known as “good” cholesterol1
  • Called “good” because it takes cholesterol from around the body and returns it to the liver, where it is removed from your body1

A lower HDL level will increase your risk of heart disease, so you want to see higher HDL numbers.2

LDL (low-density
lipoprotein)
  • Known as “bad” cholesterol1
  • Called bad because it carries cholesterol through the bloodstream to different tissues
  • 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—this can lead to a heart attack or stroke3

A higher LDL level increases your risk of heart disease, so you want to see lower LDL numbers.2

Can cholesterol be managed?

  • Yes, cholesterol can be managed and it’s never too late to start taking action
  • The goal is to lower the LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise the HDL (good) cholesterol
  • These changes can lower the risk of heart attack and heart disease2
  • Part of lowering your cholesterol is learning what impacts these levels

What factors impact cholesterol levels?4

The factors that affect HDL levels are similar to those that affect LDL levels.

Genetics
Weight and activity level
Diabetes
Smoking
Gender

(women tend to have higher HDL levels than men)

How do you know if you have high cholesterol?

  • Find out by taking a blood test called a lipoprotein profile2
  • After a 9- to 12-hour fast, your doctor will take a small blood sample to determine your cholesterol level2

Uses for TRILIPIX® (fenofibric acid) delayed-release capsules5

  • TRILIPIX should only be used when other measures, such as diet and exercise, have not been enough.
  • TRILIPIX is a prescription medicine used to treat cholesterol in the blood by lowering the total amount of triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol, and increasing the HDL (good) cholesterol. You should be on a low fat and low cholesterol diet while you take TRILIPIX.
  • TRILIPIX is also used along with diet to lower severely high triglycerides. Improving blood sugar control in certain people with diabetes may prevent the need for cholesterol drug therapy.
  • TRILIPIX has not been shown to lower your risk of having heart problems or a stroke.

Important Safety Information for TRILIPIX5

  • TRILIPIX should not be taken by people with liver, gallbladder, or severe kidney disease, nursing mothers, or those allergic to any product ingredient.
  • TRILIPIX 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 TRILIPIX to check for liver problems.
  • TRILIPIX can cause muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, which may be symptoms of a rare but serious muscle condition called rhabdomyolysis. In some cases rhabdomyolysis can cause kidney damage and death. The risk of rhabdomyolysis may be higher when TRILIPIX 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 TRILIPIX.
  • TRILIPIX 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 prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
  • TRILIPIX 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 TRILIPIX. It is not known if TRILIPIX will harm your unborn baby.
  • The most common side effects with TRILIPIX include headache, heartburn (indigestion), nausea, muscle aches, and increases in muscle or liver enzymes that are measured by blood tests.

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 20, 2021. Accessed June 22, 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 22, 2021. 3. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Atherosclerosis. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/atherosclerosis. Accessed June 22, 2021. 4. American Heart Association. What your cholesterol levels mean. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol/what-your-cholesterol-levels-mean#.WvRqX-jwa9J. Updated November 6, 2020. Accessed June 22, 2021. 5. TRILIPIX [package insert]. North Chicago, IL: AbbVie Inc.

Please see the full Prescribing Information for TRILIPIX 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 TRILIPIX.com website that have not been answered, click here. This website and the information contained herein is intended for use by US 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 for TRILIPIX® (fenofibric acid) delayed-release capsules5

  • TRILIPIX should only be used when other measures, such as diet and exercise, have not been enough.
  • TRILIPIX is a prescription medicine used to treat cholesterol in the blood by lowering the total amount of triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol, and increasing the HDL (good) cholesterol. You should be on a low fat and low cholesterol diet while you take TRILIPIX.
  • TRILIPIX is also used along with diet to lower severely high triglycerides. Improving blood sugar control in certain people with diabetes may prevent the need for cholesterol drug therapy.
  • TRILIPIX has not been shown to lower your risk of having heart problems or a stroke.