Which type of cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup in arteries?

The type of cholesterol that contributes to plaque buildup in arteries is low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL is often referred to as "bad cholesterol" because high levels of it can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty deposits, or plaques, accumulate in the walls of arteries. These plaques can narrow the arteries and restrict blood flow, leading to various cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and strokes.

LDL carries cholesterol from the liver to tissues throughout the body. When there is an excess of LDL, it can deposit cholesterol in the artery walls, contributing to plaque formation. This process is exacerbated by factors such as inflammation and damage to arterial linings, which promote the retention of LDL within the vessel walls.

In contrast, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as "good cholesterol" because it helps to transport cholesterol away from the arteries back to the liver for excretion, thus playing a protective role against plaque buildup. Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) primarily carries triglycerides and is not as directly implicated in artery plaque as LDL. Triglycerides themselves are a type of fat carried in the blood, which can also influence cardiovascular health but do not directly create plaques in