A class and range of lipoprotein particles, varying in their size (18-25 nm in diameter) and contents, which carry cholesterol in the blood and around the body, for use by cells. It is the final stage of VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) which is produced by the liver. The LDL contains the apoprotein B-100 (Apo B-100) among it plasma lipids. It is commonly referred to as "bad cholesterol" due to the link between high LDL levels and cardiovascular disease.