LOW DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN (LDL) CHOLESTEROL TEST

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is often called the “bad” cholesterol because it collects in the walls of your blood vessels, raising your chances of health problems like a heart attack or stroke. But cholesterol isn't all dangerous. Your body needs it to protect its nerves and make healthy cells and hormones. Some cholesterol comes from the food you eat, and your liver makes more. It won’t dissolve in blood, so proteins carry it where it needs to go. These carriers are called lipoproteins. LDL is a tiny blob made up of an outer rim of lipoprotein with a cholesterol center.