Increased levels of which lipid indicate a higher risk of cardiovascular disease?

Increased levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are widely recognized as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. LDL-C is often referred to as "bad cholesterol" because it contributes to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Elevated LDL levels can cause damage to the arterial walls and hinder blood flow, particularly when combined with other risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes.

In contrast, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is known as "good cholesterol" because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transport it to the liver for excretion. Therefore, higher levels of HDL-C are often viewed as protective against heart disease.

Triglycerides and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) can also play a role in cardiovascular health, but their link to increased risk is not as direct as that of LDL-C. Elevated triglycerides can indicate metabolic issues and may contribute to cardiovascular disease risk, but they do not have the same level of direct association as LDL-C does. VLDL is primarily involved in the transport of triglycerides and its levels can also contribute to the overall lipid profile, but again