What makes ldl

But lipoproteins come in a range of shapes and sizes, and each type has its own tasks. They also morph from one form into another.

These are the five main types:. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health , plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise , pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Recent Blog Articles. Why is topical vitamin C important for skin health? Preventing preeclampsia may be as simple as taking an aspirin. Caring for an aging parent? If you have too many cholesterol particles in your blood, cholesterol may accumulate on your artery walls.

Eventually, deposits called plaques may form. The deposits may narrow — or block — your arteries. These plaques can also burst, causing a blood clot to form. High cholesterol can cause a dangerous accumulation of cholesterol and other deposits on the walls of your arteries atherosclerosis.

These deposits plaques can reduce blood flow through your arteries, which can cause complications, such as:. The same heart-healthy lifestyle changes that can lower your cholesterol can help prevent you from having high cholesterol in the first place. To help prevent high cholesterol, you can:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.

Overview Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. More Information Arcus senilis: A sign of high cholesterol? Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Development of atherosclerosis Open pop-up dialog box Close. Development of atherosclerosis If you have too many cholesterol particles in your blood, cholesterol may accumulate on your artery walls.

Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Blood cholesterol. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Accessed March 10, Lipid panel. Lab Tests Online. American Association for Clinical Chemistry. Goldman L, et al. Disorders of lipid metabolism. FH is dangerous because it can cause premature atherosclerotic heart disease. If you have a family history of FH or problems related to high cholesterol, get your levels checked.

If you have high blood cholesterol, making lifestyle changes is a great first step to lower your risk of heart disease. Remember: Making even modest changes now can help to prevent significant medical issues later. Do all you can to reduce your risk for the serious effects of heart attack and stroke. Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff. About Cholesterol.