cholesterol; high-density lipoproteins and low-density lipoproteins

There are two major protein complexes that transport cholesterol through the bloodstream: high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Cholesterol attached to LDLs is primarily that which builds up in atherosclerotic deposits in the blood vessels; for this reason, LDL is often described as the “bad” form of cholesterol. HDLs, on the other hand, may actually serve to retard or reduce atherosclerotic buildup, and hence HDL is often referred to as the “good” form of cholesterol.

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high-density lipoprotein
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