Cholesterol: Understanding LDL (Bad) Cholesterol & Its Role

There is no such thing as good or bad cholesterol. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that occurs naturally in the body and is essential for many functions. It is transported through the bloodstream by proteins called lipoproteins. There are two main types of lipoproteins: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).

LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it can build up on the walls of arteries and contribute to the formation of plaque, which can lead to coronary heart disease. HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps to remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries and transport it back to the liver, where it is broken down and removed from the body.