Hypercholesterolemia is characterized by levels of which type of lipoprotein?

Hypercholesterolemia is primarily characterized by elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the bloodstream. LDL is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because high levels can lead to the buildup of fatty deposits in the walls of arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. Monitoring and management of LDL levels are critical in patients with hypercholesterolemia, and lifestyle changes or medications are frequently employed to reduce these levels and mitigate health risks.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL), on the other hand, is known as "good" cholesterol because it helps transport cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver for excretion or recycling. Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) mainly carries triglycerides and is also related to cholesterol issues but is not the primary focus when diagnosing hypercholesterolemia. Apolipoproteins are proteins that bind to lipids and help transport them; while they are relevant in lipid metabolism, they do not specifically characterize hypercholesterolemia in the way LDL does.