LDL cholesterol is commonly known as "bad" cholesterol as it contributes to the build-up of plaque in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. Other potential synonyms for LDL cholesterol include low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which highlights the way cholesterol travels through the bloodstream, and atherogenic cholesterol, which describes its role in forming plaque that can lead to atherosclerosis. Additionally, LDL-C (C stands for cholesterol) is sometimes used as an abbreviation. Other related terms include triglycerides, a type of fat also found in the blood that can contribute to heart disease, and HDL cholesterol, or "good" cholesterol, which helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.