What is Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)?
LDL is called the “bad” cholesterol because of the damage it can cause in the blood vessels. LDL can build up in the walls of your arteries. Arteries are large blood vessels that carry your blood from your heart to different parts of your body. This buildup of cholesterol in your arteries is called plaque. When your arteries are clogged with plaque, it is difficult for blood to flow and reach the different parts of your body. As a result, oxygen and nutrients in the blood may not get to important places such as the heart. This increases your risk for getting heart disease. High levels of LDL cholesterol can be dangerous because it can lead to a condition called hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis. When arteries become hardened, it is more difficult for blood to flow through them. This can lead to some serious medical problems such as heart disease. This is why you want to keep your LDL cholesterol levels low.
