The term LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol brings to mind thoughts of bad cholesterol, the culprit that clogs arteries and causes heart attacks. HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is the good cholesterol, which picks up cholesterol from blocked arteries and returns it to the liver for use. LDL cholesterol can be classified based on size and density. Larger and less dense LDL cholesterol is less likely to squeeze into the walls of our arteries, the Good Cholesterol Tips website reports, while small and dense LDL cholesterol raises the risk of heart attack. Consult your doctor about your cholesterol levels and preventing the complications of LDL cholesterol.
LDL Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol is naturally produced in the body. High LDL cholesterol levels may be due to your familial genes or from consuming too much saturated or trans fats in your diet, the American Heart Association explains. Too much LDL cholesterol in the blood increases the risk of plaque build-up in your arteries, which can lead to heart disease and stroke, the AHA warns. A healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, a healthy diet and cholesterol checks by your physician are ways to stave off the risks of high LDL levels.
VLDL Cholesterol
VLDL, or very-low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol, is a type of LDL cholesterol that takes cholesterol, triglycerides and other fats from the liver to other parts of the body, according to MedlinePlus, an online service of the National Institutes of Health. High levels of VLDL cholesterol may increase your risk of heart disease or stroke, since it causes plaque build-up in the walls of the arteries, narrowing and hardening the arteries, and blocks blood circulation to the heart and the brain.
Lp(a) Lipoprotein
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), cholesterol is another type of LDL cholesterol. Lp(a) cholesterol is not entirely understood, the Healthcare Magic website explains. However, it is known that high levels of Lp(a) cholesterol in the blood contribute to fatty deposit build-up and pose the risk of plaque formation in your arteries. This in turn increases to the risk of heart disease and stroke.
