Final answer:
High levels of LDL cholesterol may put patients at risk for heart disease, while high levels of HDL cholesterol can lower the risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
High levels of LDL cholesterol may put patients at risk for heart disease. LDL cholesterol carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells where it is needed but if the level is too high, it can be deposited in the arteries as plaques, leading to atherosclerosis and an increased risk of heart disease. On the other hand, high levels of HDL cholesterol are beneficial and can lower the risk of heart disease.