Final answer:
The claim that LDL is referred to as "good" cholesterol is false; LDL is known as "bad cholesterol" as it can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, while HDL, the "good cholesterol," removes excess cholesterol to prevent such buildups.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that low-density lipoproteins, or LDL, are often referred to as "good" cholesterol is false. In fact, LDLs are commonly known as "bad cholesterol" because they carry cholesterol from the liver to other tissues in the body, potentially leading to the buildup of plaque within the arteries. On the other hand, high-density lipoproteins (HDL) are considered as "good cholesterol" because they collect cholesterol from other tissues and return it to the liver, which helps prevent artery-clogging plaque.
It is crucial for maintaining a healthy lipid profile to have a low amount of LDL and a high amount of HDL. A desirable LDL level is less than 100 mg/dL, and for HDL, men should aim for values above 40 mg/dL and women above 50 mg/dL. Elevated levels of LDL increase the risk of heart disease, whereas increased levels of HDL can reduce this risk.