Blood Fats: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright dive into the world of blood fats—unpacking what cholesterol numbers really mean for your health. They break down HDL (the “good” cholesterol), LDL (the “bad” cholesterol), triglycerides, and spotlight the often-overlooked lipoprotein(a), a genetic risk marker with significant consequences for heart health. The team dispels myths about fats in our diet, covers the impact of lifestyle and genetics, and explores how advanced testing can reveal hidden risks. You’ll come away understanding which fats matter most, why particle size counts, and what actions can help manage your numbers and protect your heart.

Key Takeaways:

• Blood fats, specifically HDL, LDL, and triglycerides, are critical indicators of cardiovascular risk. Advanced testing can identify dangerous subtypes and genetic markers like lipoprotein(a) that standard panels miss.
• HDL has benefits, but high numbers don’t cancel out high LDL; LDL particle size and count are crucial—small, dense particles are more harmful.
• Lipoprotein(a) is a major genetic risk factor for heart disease and stroke that isn’t modifiable by diet or exercise; new treatments are in development.
• Plant-based monounsaturated fats (like olive oil and avocados), resistant starches, and soluble fiber offer metabolic and heart-health benefits, but even perfect diets may not lower genetic cholesterol risks.
• Lifestyle factors—exercise, avoiding smoking, quality sleep, and managing conditions like diabetes—are critical for reducing cardiovascular risk, especially if you have inherited risk markers.
• Heart health isn’t just about body size—“looking healthy” doesn’t guarantee healthy arteries; everyone should know their numbers and consider advanced heart scans as needed.

Resources:

• Connect with Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedIn.
• Connect with Mark Wright on LinkedIn.
• Connect with Andrea Taylor on Instagram.

Fat Science is a podcast on a mission to explain where our fat really comes from and why it won’t go and stay away. We are committed to creating a world where people are empowered with accurate information about metabolism and recognize that fat isn’t a failure. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.

If you have a question for Dr. Cooper, send an email to dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com. If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, you can also reach us us at info@diabesityinstitute.org.

Fat Science is supported by the non-profit Diabesity Institute which is on a mission to increase access to effective, science-based medical care for those suffering from or at risk for diabesity. https://diabesityresearchfoundation.org/