If someone has high LDL cholesterol, what does this indicate about heart disease risk?

• A. It indicates a higher risk of plaque buildup in arteries.
• B. It indicates a lower risk of heart disease.
• C. It has no relation to heart disease.
• D. It is determined by HDL alone.

Answer: (A)

High LDL cholesterol indicates a higher risk of heart disease because LDL carries cholesterol into the walls of arteries, where it can accumulate and form plaques. Over time, these plaques narrow and stiffen the arteries (atherosclerosis), which reduces blood flow and can lead to chest pain, heart attack, or stroke if a plaque ruptures. HDL helps remove cholesterol from artery walls, offering some protection, but risk isn’t determined by HDL alone—the amount of LDL matters a lot. Statements claiming lower risk, no relation, or that risk is determined only by HDL aren’t accurate because LDL contributes directly to plaque formation and heart disease risk, alongside other factors like triglycerides, blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes.