Small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C) particles are more atherogenic than large and intermediate low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) subfractions. 

- In a recent study, higher levels of small dense LDL cholesterol (sdLDL-C) and the sdLDL-C/LDL-C ratio, but not LDL-C alone, were significantly linked to an increased risk of developing incident carotid plaques. 
- Participants in the upper tertile of sdLDL-C had a 2.48-fold higher risk of carotid plaques with vulnerable morphology. This association persisted even in individuals with normal LDL-C levels.
- This suggests the potential of sdLDL-C as a therapeutic target for stroke prevention.

Source: Stroke | [Read full story](https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/STROKEAHA.123.045601)