Which lipoprotein is the 'bad' cholesterol that leads to increased risk of heart disease and transports cholesterol in the blood to tissues?

• A. Low Density Lipoproteins
• B. High Density Lipoproteins
• C. Chylomicrons
• D. Very Low Density Lipoproteins

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is which lipoprotein carries cholesterol to tissues and is linked to the development of atherosclerosis. Low Density Lipoproteins deliver cholesterol from the liver to cells throughout the body. When there is too much LDL in the blood, cholesterol can start to deposit on arterial walls, forming plaques that narrow the arteries and raise the risk of heart disease and stroke. This is why LDL is called the “bad” cholesterol.

In contrast, High Density Lipoproteins help remove cholesterol from arteries and return it to the liver for disposal, which is protective. Chylomicrons mainly carry dietary triglycerides from the gut, and Very Low Density Lipoproteins transport triglycerides from the liver to tissues, becoming LDL as their triglycerides are removed.