Which biomarker, when decreased, is stated as a positive risk factor for atherosclerosis?

Which biomarker, when decreased, is stated as a positive risk factor for atherosclerosis?

• A. A1-fetoprotein (AFP)
• B. HDL cholesterol
• C. LDL cholesterol
• D. Triglycerides

Answer: (A)

Low HDL cholesterol signals increased risk for atherosclerosis because HDL is responsible for reverse cholesterol transport—removing cholesterol from arterial walls and ferrying it to the liver for disposal. When HDL levels are low, this protective process is weakened, allowing cholesterol to accumulate in arteries and promote plaque formation. So the biomarker that, when decreased, is a positive risk factor is HDL cholesterol. AFP isn’t linked to atherosclerosis risk, while high LDL cholesterol and high triglycerides contribute to risk when elevated (and lowering them would reduce risk, not increase it).

Low HDL cholesterol signals increased risk for atherosclerosis because HDL is responsible for reverse cholesterol transport—removing cholesterol from arterial walls and ferrying it to the liver for disposal. When HDL levels are low, this protective process is weakened, allowing cholesterol to accumulate in arteries and promote plaque formation. So the biomarker that, when decreased, is a positive risk factor is HDL cholesterol. AFP isn’t linked to atherosclerosis risk, while high LDL cholesterol and high triglycerides contribute to risk when elevated (and lowering them would reduce risk, not increase it).