What is the Difference Between HDL and LDL Cholesterol?

The main difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol lies in their functions and effects on the body. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) are two types of cholesterol that carry cholesterol to and from cells. Here are the key differences between HDL and LDL cholesterol:

• Function: HDL is considered "good" cholesterol because it transports cholesterol to the liver, where it can be removed from the bloodstream before it builds up in the arteries. LDL, on the other hand, is considered "bad" cholesterol because it carries cholesterol to the arteries, where it can collect in the artery walls and contribute to plaque formation, known as atherosclerosis.
• Health Effects: High levels of HDL cholesterol can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. In contrast, high levels of LDL cholesterol raise the risk of heart disease and stroke by contributing to the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This plaque buildup can lead to decreased blood flow to the heart muscle (coronary artery disease) or leg muscles (peripheral artery disease) or abrupt closure of an artery in the heart or brain, leading to a heart attack or stroke.
• Goal Levels: A healthy goal for HDL cholesterol is higher than 55 mg/dL for women and 45 mg/dL for men. For LDL cholesterol, an LDL count of 100 or less is considered healthy.

Comparative Table: HDL vs LDL Cholesterol

HDL and LDL cholesterol are two main types of cholesterol that differ in their functions and effects on the body. Here is a table summarizing the differences between HDL and LDL cholesterol:

In summary, HDL cholesterol is considered "good" because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the body, while LDL cholesterol is considered "bad" because it collects in blood vessels and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.