What is the difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol?
LDL cholesterol refers to low-density lipoprotein, the major cholesterol carrier in the blood. LDL cholesterol is often called “bad” cholesterol, whereas HDL cholesterol is considered good cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is what delivers cholesterol from your liver to the rest of your body. HDL cholesterol tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it’s excreted from the body. What can cause high cholesterol? Usually the body makes all the cholesterol it needs, so people don’t need to consume any extra cholesterol. Saturated fatty acids are the main culprit in raising blood cholesterol. But dietary cholesterol also plays a part. Diets high in saturated fats and cholesterol can raise your blood cholesterol level. What effect can high LDL cholesterol have on the body? If too much LDL cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can slowly build up in the walls of the arteries that supply vital organs such as the heart, kidney, and brain. Over time, this choles
