The "bad" cholesterol is low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is considered bad because it contributes to the buildup of fatty deposits, or plaque, on the walls of arteries, which narrows them and increases the risk for heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. High levels of LDL cholesterol are linked to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. On the other hand, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is known as the "good" cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream by carrying it back to the liver, where it is broken down and eliminated, potentially protecting against heart disease. Thus, the cholesterol referred to as the "bad" one is LDL cholesterol.
