High LDL cholesterol can damage arteries and lead to a heart attack or stroke. Discover seven reasons it’s dangerous and how to lower your risk. LDL cholesterol is often called the “bad” cholesterol because it collects in the walls of your blood vessels, raising your chances of health problems like a heart attack or stroke. But... LDL cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is a fat that circulates in the blood, moving cholesterol around the body to where it is needed for cell repair and depositing it inside of artery walls. Because cholesterol and triglycerides are insoluble in water, they must be associated with proteins to flow through the hydrophilic blood. [1] LDL cholesterol, often called “bad cholesterol,” plays a key role in lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health. Moreover, LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) carries cholesterol to tissues, supporting cell membrane formation and hormone production. In addition, elevated LDL levels contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Furthermore, LDL cholesterol is a critical marker, helping healthcare providers assess cardiovascular risk and guide ...
