What is the Difference Between Good Cholesterol and Bad Cholesterol?

HDL (Good Cholesterol): HDL is known as "good cholesterol" because it transports cholesterol to the liver to be released, helping to rid the body of excess cholesterol and preventing it from building up in the arteries. A healthy level of HDL cholesterol may protect against heart attack and stroke. However, only one-third to one-fourth of blood cholesterol is carried by HDL.
LDL (Bad Cholesterol): LDL is called "bad cholesterol" because it takes cholesterol to the arteries, where it can collect in the artery walls, leading to a buildup of plaque known as atherosclerosis. This plaque buildup can increase the risk of blood clots in the arteries, potentially causing a stroke or heart attack. LDL cholesterol contributes to fatty buildups in arteries, narrowing them and increasing the risk for heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is essential for preventing heart disease and stroke. A combination of medication, a healthy diet with lots of vegetables, and regular exercise can help keep cholesterol counts under control. It is essential to monitor cholesterol levels regularly and work with your healthcare team to manage them effectively.

On this page

Comparative Table: Good Cholesterol vs Bad Cholesterol

Here is a table outlining the main differences between good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL):

Characteristic	Good Cholesterol (HDL)	Bad Cholesterol (LDL)
Type	High-Density Lipoprotein	Low-Density Lipoprotein
Function	Transports cholesterol to the liver to be removed from the bloodstream	Takes cholesterol directly to the arteries, causing plaque buildup
Health Impact	Helps prevent heart disease and stroke	Can lead to atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke
Desired Levels	Higher levels are better (ideally above 60)	Lower levels are better (ideally below 100)

Source:

HDL, or "good" cholesterol, transports cholesterol to the liver, which helps remove excess cholesterol from the body and prevents it from accumulating in the arteries. In contrast, LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, transports cholesterol directly to the arteries, which can result in plaque buildup and narrowing of the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.