Final answer:
Risk for cardiovascular disease increases with high LDL ('bad cholesterol transporter') levels and low HDL ('good cholesterol transporter') levels. A balance of low LDL and high HDL is beneficial for heart health.
Step-by-step explanation:
Risk for development of cardiovascular disease increases when HDL levels are low and LDL levels are high in the bloodstream. High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are known as "good cholesterol transporters," removing excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and taking it back to the liver for processing. Conversely, low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), dubbed "bad cholesterol transporters," carry cholesterol from the liver to the body's cells, and high levels in the blood can lead to the formation of plaque on artery walls, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This contribues to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. To lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, it is advisable to maintain a higher level of HDL and a lower level of LDL.
A healthy total blood cholesterol range is under 200 mg/dL. An LDL level of less than 100 mg/dL is considering ideal, while levels above 160 mg/dL are high. As for HDL, levels under 40 mg/dL for men and under 50 mg/dL for women are concerning and increase the risk of heart disease. A good balance between HDL and LDL is essential for cardiovascular health.