all 19 steps leading to cholesterol: being a lipid, is poorly soluble in water and be transported into the bloodstream requires, therefore, to bind to specific lipoproteins. Cholesterol binds mainly ll low-density lipoprotein or LDL (so-called bad cholesterol). It is estimated that approximately 60-80% of the total cholesterol is bound to LDL.
The excess cholesterol in these lipoproteins bound tends to accumulate on the endothelium of arteries, forming dense aggregates growing up to generate real plaques, called atheromas. 
These plaques are losing the natural elasticity of the arteries and can cause severe damage especially to the heart (heart attack) or brain (stroke). 
The good cholesterol is represented by HDL (high density lipoprotein) that clean the arteries by capturing and transferring excess cholesterol to the tissues (especially liver), where it is disposed.
Massimo Capobianco
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