bad cholesterol

noun

: a lipoprotein of blood plasma that is associated with increased probability of developing atherosclerosis : ldl

The two-year study of 507 patients is the most ambitious yet to test whether driving down bad cholesterol turns back the clock on plaque buildup in coronary arteries.

—Steve Sternberg

A growing body of research suggests that atherosclerosis probably traces to oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the so-called bad cholesterol.

—Janet Raloff

compare good cholesterol

Examples of bad cholesterol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Tahini may help lower high blood pressure, bad cholesterol and triglycerides, helping to prevent cardiovascular disease. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 31 May 2025

And just reported this month, early data from CRISPR Therapeutics demonstrated in a small trial that its gene editing therapy reduces bad cholesterol and triglycerides by as much as 80 percent. —Juergen Eckhardt, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025

Can Reduce Risk of Heart Disease Almonds can help lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol levels. —Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 30 May 2025

Key Takeaways May lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides, but evidence is limited. —Jennifer Moll, Verywell Health, 19 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1977, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bad cholesterol

• chloramphenicol
• dithiothreitol
• geospatial
• isopropanol
• meridional
• paracetamol
• peroxisomal
• visuospatial
• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball

Medical Definition

bad cholesterol

noun

ˈbad- 

: ldl