How are ldl and hdl different?

Lousy vs healthy: Ldl (low denity lipoprotein) is bad (lousy) cholesterol and deposits in the wall of the arteries and triggers inflammation and atherosclerosis. It is thus a risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Hdl (high density lipoprotein) is healthy and is responsible for removing cholesterol from the wall of the arteries and carries it to theliver. It can thus reduce atherosclerosis and is protective.

Deliver vs. Remove: LDL particles (in the water outside cells) carry 3,000-6,000 fat molecules & deliver fats to cells around body. HDL particles (also in water outside cells) pickup fat molecules from cells which need to get rid of fat. Other than very low numbers of large LDL particles drive atherosclerosis. HDL particles, if they are picking up & removing excess fat, help regress & prevent atherosclerotic plaque.

Cardiovascular Risk: Cholesterol is transported in the blood inside carrier vehicles called lipoprotein particles. Following entry into the artery wall low density lipoprotein (ldl) particles directly promote development of atherosclerosis ("hardening of the arteries") and increase risk for heart attack and stroke. High density lipoprotein (HDL) particles work in several ways to decrease atherosclerosis.