What is Cholesterol ? Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver and found in certain foods like animal products (meat, eggs, dairy). It is carried through the bloodstream by two main types of lipoproteins: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL Cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Often referred to as “bad” cholesterol , LDL carries cholesterol to the cells. High levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of ... HDL cholesterol is the " good " cholesterol that helps protect against heart attack and stroke. Learn how HDL cholesterol works, what levels are healthy, and how to improve your HDL cholesterol with lifestyle changes. Your cholesterol levels show how much cholesterol is circulating in your blood. Your HDL (“good” cholesterol) is the one number you want to be high (ideally above 60 ). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is known as the "good" cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream. A higher level of HDL cholesterol is linked to a lower risk of heart disease.