Whether you’re 25 or 65, male or female, it’s never too soon, or too late, to start thinking about your heart health. Understanding the difference between good and bad cholesterol can be your first step.

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol helps move cholesterol out of your body. HDL is made mostly of protein and only a small amount of fat. According to the American Heart Association, higher levels of HDL cholesterol are better, therefore labeled as the “good” cholesterol.

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol carries mostly fat and only a small amount of protein from the liver to other parts of the body. A high LDL cholesterol level is considered a risk factor for coronary artery disease because, under certain conditions, it can cause hardening of the arteries. As a result, LDL is referred to as the “bad” cholesterol.

You can learn more about the difference between good and bad cholesterol from Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital staff at the “Care for Your Heart” health fair on Friday, February 4, 7:30-10:30 a.m., at the Santa Clarita Community Center, 22421 Market Street, Newhall.

A cholesterol test is among several free health screenings that will be offered; twelve hour fasting is recommended for the cholesterol test. For more information, please call (661) 253-8408.

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