What are LDL and HDL?
Low density lipoprotein, also known as LDL, is the "bad cholesterol". LDL builds up causing blockages, and these blockages are known as atherosclerosis. High levels of LDL can lead to more blockages, and this can lead to a heart attack.
High density lipoprotein, also known as HDL, are the "good cholesterol". The HDL circulates through the bloodstream and removes the "bad cholesterol" (LDL) from places it does not belong. High levels of HDL in the blood stream can lower the risk of heart attacks, but low levels of HDL can greater your risk of heart attacks.
High density lipoprotein, also known as HDL, are the "good cholesterol". The HDL circulates through the bloodstream and removes the "bad cholesterol" (LDL) from places it does not belong. High levels of HDL in the blood stream can lower the risk of heart attacks, but low levels of HDL can greater your risk of heart attacks.
How do LDL and HDL differ structurally and functionally?
LDL's weight is 50% cholesterol(fat) and 25% protein. In HDL 50% of its weight is protein and 20% is cholesterol(fat). This means that HDL is more dense than LDL because protein is heavier than cholesterol(fat). The second difference is that LDL delivers cholesterol to the cells, and can cause possible build up in the arteries. And that HDL carries cholesterol away from the heart and other organs.