Which lipoprotein is considered the bad cholesterol?

• A. LDL
• B. HDL
• C. VLDL
• D. Lipoprotein(a)

Answer: (A)

The concept here is how different lipoproteins influence atherosclerosis. The term “bad cholesterol” refers to the lipoprotein that delivers cholesterol to tissues and into the arterial wall. That role is played by the LDL particle. When LDL levels are high, more cholesterol is carried into the intima of arteries, where macrophages take it up and form foam cells, leading to plaque buildup and increased cardiovascular risk. HDL, in contrast, helps remove cholesterol from arteries and is considered protective. VLDL mainly transports triglycerides and contributes to risk indirectly, but it’s not the classic label for “bad cholesterol.” Lipoprotein(a) is an LDL-like particle with an extra apolipoprotein(a) that raises cardiovascular risk, but the everyday term “bad cholesterol” most directly points to LDL.