MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: VLDL

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VLDL

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Illustrations Alternative names	Definition

Illustrations

Blood test

Alternative names Return to top

Very low density lipoprotein

Definition Return to top

Lipoproteins are mixtures of fatty cholesterol and proteins in the blood that transport cholesterol, triglycerides, and other lipids to various tissues. There are three types: high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL).

Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) is composed mostly of cholesterol, with little protein. VLDL is often called "bad cholesterol" because it deposits cholesterol on the walls of arteries. Increased levels of VLDL are associated with atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

On the contrary, high density lipoprotein (HDL), sometimes referred to as "good cholesterol," seems to protect against blood vessel and heart diseases.

Update Date: 2/12/2003

Updated by: Michael C. Milone, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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