What is Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL)?
Like the other lipoproteins, VLDL is made up of cholesterol and protein. The big difference is that VLDL also contains triglycerides (a type of fat). Your liver makes VLDL to help carry triglycerides to other parts of your body. After VLDL drops off the triglycerides to where they need to go, the cholesterol and protein left over are used to make LDL cholesterol and small lipoproteins called “remnants.” These small remnants seem to act like “bad” LDL cholesterol and may build up in the walls of your arteries to make them harder and less flexible. Just like “bad” LDL cholesterol, this process may take place over time and can lead to serious medical conditions. This is why some scientists think that VLDL may play a part in your risk for getting heart disease.
