About LDL Cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is often referred to as 'bad cholesterol' because high levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries and result in cardiovascular diseases. LDL particles transport cholesterol to cells throughout the body and are a combination of protein, triglyceride, and cholesterol. Clinicians typically focus on lowering LDL cholesterol as a means to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
10.0 - 70.0 mg/dL
Elite Value
30.0 mg/dL
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate an increased risk for heart disease and stroke, as high LDL can lead to the buildup of cholesterol in arteries.
Low
Low levels may be associated with a rare condition potentially signaling hyperthyroidism or liver disease, but less is known about direct health risks.
Symptoms
{'high': 'May include fatigue, headaches, chest pain, vision problems, and shortness of breath.', 'low': 'Can include dizziness, weakness, blurred vision, and feeling tired.'}
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- 1. Grundy, S. M., Stone, N. J., Bailey, A. L., Beam, C., Birtcher, K. K., Blumenthal, R. S., ... & Wiggins, L. D. (2019). 2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA guideline on the management of blood cholesterol: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. *Journal of the American College of Cardiology*, 73(24), e285-e350.
- 2. Mach, F., Baigent, C., Catapano, A. L., Koskinas, K. C., Casula, M., Badimon, L., ... & Piepoli, M. F. (2020). 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias: lipid modification to reduce cardiovascular risk. *European Heart Journal*, 41(1), 111-188.
- 3. Ference, B. A., Ginsberg, H. N., Graham, I., Ray, K. K., Packard, C. J., Bruckert, E., ... & Catapano, A. L. (2017). Low-density lipoproteins cause atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: 1. Evidence from genetic, epidemiologic, and clinical studies. *A consensus statement from the European Atherosclerosis Society Consensus Panel*. *European Heart Journal*, 38(32), 2459-2472.
- 4. Silverman, M. G., Ference, B. A., Im, K., Wiviott, S. D., Giugliano, R. P., Grundy, S. M., ... & Sabatine, M. S. (2016). Association between lowering LDL-C and cardiovascular risk reduction among different therapeutic interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. *JAMA*, 316(12), 1289-1297.
- 5. Lloyd-Jones, D. M., Morris, P. B., Ballantyne, C. M., Birtcher, K. K., Daly, D. D., Jr., DePalma, S. M., ... & Smith, S. C., Jr. (2017). 2016 ACC expert consensus decision pathway on the role of non-statin therapies for LDL-cholesterol lowering in the management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk: a report of the American College of Cardiology Task Force on Clinical Expert Consensus Documents. *Journal of the American College of Cardiology*, 68(1), 92-125.