Why is LDL often called 'bad cholesterol'?

Why is LDL often called 'bad cholesterol'?

• A. Because high levels reduce cardiovascular risk
• B. Because high levels can lead to cholesterol deposition in arteries, increasing cardiovascular risk
• C. Because it transports triglycerides
• D. Because it is not found in healthy individuals

Answer: (B)

Low-density lipoprotein is the main carrier delivering cholesterol from the liver to tissues throughout the body. When its levels are high, more cholesterol is deposited into the walls of arteries. Over time this can form plaques, causing atherosclerosis, narrowing and stiffening arteries, and raising the risk of heart attack and stroke. Some LDL particles also become oxidized, triggering inflammation that speeds artery damage. This is why LDL is labeled “bad cholesterol”—because higher levels contribute to cardiovascular disease risk. High levels don’t reduce risk; LDL’s job isn’t to carry triglycerides (that’s mainly done by other lipoproteins like VLDL and chylomicrons); and LDL is present in healthy individuals, not something only seen in disease.

Low-density lipoprotein is the main carrier delivering cholesterol from the liver to tissues throughout the body. When its levels are high, more cholesterol is deposited into the walls of arteries. Over time this can form plaques, causing atherosclerosis, narrowing and stiffening arteries, and raising the risk of heart attack and stroke. Some LDL particles also become oxidized, triggering inflammation that speeds artery damage. This is why LDL is labeled “bad cholesterol”—because higher levels contribute to cardiovascular disease risk.

High levels don’t reduce risk; LDL’s job isn’t to carry triglycerides (that’s mainly done by other lipoproteins like VLDL and chylomicrons); and LDL is present in healthy individuals, not something only seen in disease.