What is the difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol?

LDL and HDL cholesterol play different roles in cardiovascular health, which is why the correct choice highlights their functional differences. LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it is associated with the development of atherosclerosis—where plaque builds up in the arteries, leading to narrowed or blocked arteries that can require medical interventions or lead to cardiovascular events like heart attacks. This buildup is due to the tendency of LDL to accumulate in arterial walls.

In contrast, HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is known as "good" cholesterol because it helps transport cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it can be processed and excreted from the body. This function of HDL helps to reduce the overall levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream, potentially lowering the risk of heart disease.

This distinction regarding the roles of LDL and HDL is critical for understanding why maintaining healthy levels of both is important for cardiovascular health. The statement regarding HDL increasing blood pressure is inaccurate, as HDL is generally associated with reducing cardiovascular risk rather than increasing blood pressure. The portrayal of both cholesterol types as equally harmful is misleading, since their impacts on health diverge significantly based on their roles in lipid metabolism.