Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (fall 2000)

Review the following series of letters:

• HDL 
• TC/HD
• LDL 
• LOL

Can you identify the abbreviation that doesn't belong?

If you chose the last one, you were right. The first three abbreviations are medical terms; LOL is the online abbreviation for laughing out loud. 

Were you able to identify the others? If you've had a cholesterol test lately, you may have recognized HDL (high-density lipoprotein or "good" cholesterol), TC/HDL (total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein, often expressed as a risk ratio) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein or "bad" cholesterol). Since September is National Cholesterol Month, this is a perfect time to look at web sites devoted to the heart and related issues. 

American Heart Association
For 76 years, the American Heart Association (AHA) has worked to educate the public about heart disease. The AHA mission is to "reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke — our nation's number one killer."

Are you confused by the acronyms used when you get a cholesterol test? Are you unsure of the risk factors or warning signs for heart attack or stroke? Do you need a handy guide to heart and stroke health? At the AHA site, you’ll find this and more.

Heartpoint
Heartpoint, founded three years ago by cardiologist and computer buff Darrell Youngman, MD, is distinguished by animated graphics (click on the Heartpoint Gallery) and the easy to understand information on potentially confusing topics like atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmias (heart rate disorders).

The Franklin Institute Online
Loaded with animated graphics and excellent photographs, this site explains the heart's structure and development in addition to offering tips on how to have a healthy heart. If you'd like to see the impact of high cholesterol on actual heart tissue, this is the place.