LDL cholesterol

Low density lipoprotein (LDL): A subfraction of total cholesterol. (Like oil and vinegar, cholesterol and blood do not mix well. So, for cholesterol to travel through, it is coated with a layer of protein to make it a lipoprotein. Hence the name LDL-cholesterol) LDL is the 'bad' or athrogenic cholesterol fraction. More directly correlated with risk

for CVD then total really. Excess LDL builds up in your arteries (simplistically). The higher the level of LDL, the greater your risk for heart disease. Generally above 130 is considered high, but some high risk individuals should have that even lower.