Summary

LDL cholesterol is an abbreviation for low-density lipoprotein, and it circulates in your bloodstream. It is also called the "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in the walls of your arteries and form plaque, narrowing and hardening your arteries.

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Overview

LDL cholesterol is secreted by the liver. It is also found in foods high in saturated fat, such as red meat, full-fat dairy, and fried foods.

LDL cholesterol is a biomarker that helps to indicate your cardiovascular health and the risk of developing atherosclerosis, which can lead to coronary artery disease, angina, heart attack, and stroke.^[1,2]

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What should you know about this biomarker?

Each laboratory uses different machines and protocols, so the results might vary in terms of the reference ranges or used units of measurement. 

In Macromo blood tests, we use mmol/l (millimole per liter), but you may also find values in mg/dl (milligram per deciliter) on the internet.

Generally, a level below 3.0 mmol/l (millimoles per liter of blood) is optimal for individuals at low risk for heart disease, while those at higher risk may require some approaches to lower their LDL cholesterol levels.^[3,4] It is important to note that cardiovascular risk assessment is not based on LDL levels alone, but multiple factors need to be considered.

Your blood test can reveal various potential outcomes:

• Your LDL cholesterol level is low. It's generally a positive sign, but extremely low levels can be due to certain health conditions. 
• Your LDL cholesterol is within the reference range. That is the desired result.
• Your LDL cholesterol level is elevated. Consider lifestyle changes that can help reduce the levels, and it is also advisable to consult your doctor.

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Genetics

Genetic influence affects levels of not only the HDL cholesterol but also LDL cholesterol. A positive family history is an indicator of a greater possibility of occurrence.  Some people may have high LDL cholesterol due to genetic factors like familial hypercholesterolemia.

Familial hypercholesterolemia is one of the most common autosomal dominant genetic diseases, leading to an extreme increase in LDL values, causing the development of heart disease at a very young age. It is caused by mutations in the LDL receptor gene (LDLR), which encodes a protein that removes LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.^[5] 

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Recommendations

If your LDL cholesterol result is higher than the optimal range, it would be ideal to take some of the steps listed below^[2,3]:

• Eat a healthy diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol; and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
• Increase your physical activity to at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.
• Quit smoking if you are a smoker, as smoking can lower your HDL (good) cholesterol and damage your blood vessels.
• Lose weight if you are overweight or obese, as excess weight can raise your LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and lower your HDL cholesterol.
• Take prescribed medication, such as statins, bile acid sequestrants, or PCSK9 inhibitors, which can lower your LDL cholesterol and reduce your risk of cardiovascular events.

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The information and tests provided on our website are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making health decisions. Our tests do not diagnose or treat diseases. Individual results may vary and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.