Which cholesterol type is considered "bad" cholesterol?

LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol due to its association with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which can result in heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health issues. This is because LDL cholesterol is the primary carrier of cholesterol in the bloodstream and is responsible for transporting cholesterol from the liver to the cells. When there is an excess of LDL, it can contribute to inflammation and damage to blood vessels, further heightening the risk of cardiovascular events.

In contrast, HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is recognized as "good" cholesterol because it helps transport cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver for excretion or recycling. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood that can also be a risk factor for heart disease when elevated, but they are not classified as cholesterol. VLDL, or very low-density lipoprotein, is another form of lipoprotein that carries triglycerides and can also contribute to plaque formation, but it is typically considered less concerning than LDL in terms of its direct relationship to heart disease. Thus,