Which lipoprotein particle carries more cholesterol and is linked to increased risk of heart disease when elevated?

• A. Lipoprotein(a)
• B. Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
• C. Chylomicron
• D. High Density Lipoprotein (HDL)

Answer: (B)

Lipoproteins differ in what they carry and how they affect arterial health. LDL carries a large portion of the cholesterol in the bloodstream and delivers it to cells through LDL receptors. When LDL is elevated, more cholesterol accumulates in the arterial walls, promoting the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and increasing the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular events. In contrast, HDL helps remove cholesterol from arteries and is generally protective, while chylomicrons mainly transport dietary triglycerides and are cleared after meals. Lipoprotein(a) is an LDL-like particle with an extra apolipoprotein; it’s a separate risk factor, but the primary cholesterol carrier whose elevation most strongly links to heart disease is LDL.