What type of cholesterol is referred to as "bad" cholesterol?

LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, is commonly referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. When there are high levels of LDL in the bloodstream, it can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which narrows and hardens these blood vessels, potentially leading to conditions such as atherosclerosis. This buildup can restrict blood flow and increase the likelihood of heart attacks or strokes.

In contrast, HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is often called "good" cholesterol because it helps transport cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it can be processed and removed from the body. Triglycerides are another type of fat found in the blood but are not classified as cholesterol. Lipoproteins are complexes that transport lipids, including cholesterol and triglycerides, in the bloodstream, but they are not categorized as good or bad cholesterol per se.