
LCAT (Lecithin-Cholesterol Acyltransferase)
Lecithin-Cholesterol Acyltransferase (LCAT) is an enzyme in your blood that helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. It works by transforming free cholesterol into a type called esterified cholesterol, which can be safely carried inside lipoproteins like HDL ("good" cholesterol). This process is essential for the proper removal of excess cholesterol from tissues and its transport back to the liver for disposal. In essence, LCAT plays a critical role in regulating cholesterol balance, supporting cardiovascular health by ensuring cholesterol is properly processed and cleared from the body.