What is LDL cholesterol? LDL cholesterol is the bad cholesterol. It is called the bad cholesterol because elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. LDL lipoprotein deposits cholesterol on the artery walls, causing the formation of a hard, thick substance called cholesterol plaque. Over time, cholesterol plaque causes thickening of the artery walls and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Source: American Heart Association Heart Disease & Stroke Statistics (2005 Update) |
