Types Of Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance, and it needs the support of some transporter or carrier to move in the body. In the case of cholesterol, the liver forms certain compounds known as lipoproteins that carry out the transportation of cholesterol throughout the body. The major types of lipoproteins are two, i.e., low-density lipoproteins or LDL and high-density lipoproteins or HDL. Both of these lipoproteins carry the same type of particles which are fats and proteins, but the discrimination is based on the concentration of these particles in each lipoprotein.
LDL or bad cholesterol
The function of LDL is to carry the cholesterol from the liver towards the arteries. During the transport, the LDL tends to accumulate in the walls of the arteries, thus causing the formation of plaque in the walls of arteries. The formation of the buildup of LDL in the artery walls leads to atherosclerosis. In the condition of atherosclerosis, the LDL accumulation in the arteries causes the blockage of arteries and formation of blood clots, thus interfering with the smooth pumping of blood by the heart. The condition of atherosclerosis increases the chances of heart diseases, heart failure, heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery diseases (PAD).