Cholesterol (LDL/HDL)

Blood lipids that transport fats. LDL ('bad') cholesterol contributes to arterial plaque buildup; HDL ('good') cholesterol helps remove LDL from arteries. Total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL is desirable.

LDL carries cholesterol into artery walls where it can form plaque, while HDL helps ferry it back to the liver for disposal. Clinicians weigh the full panel — LDL, HDL, and triglycerides — rather than any single number when assessing cardiovascular risk.