Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol
- Sample Type
- Standard
- Fasting
- No
- Unit
- mg/dL
LDL Cholesterol, often termed 'bad' cholesterol, is a primary component of the lipid profile used to assess cardiovascular risk. LDL particles transport cholesterol to peripheral tissues; when present in excess, they penetrate the arterial wall, undergo oxidation, and lead to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup). Managing LDL levels is a cornerstone of preventing myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke. Within a lipid profile, LDL is usually calculated via the Friedewald equation or measured directly.
Check Your Result
Check Your Result
Enter your lab result to see where you stand compared to the standard reference range.
Why Context Matters
Standard LDL calculations (Friedewald) become inaccurate if triglycerides are >400 mg/dL or if the patient was not fasting. Furthermore, LDL levels alone may not tell the whole story; a patient might have a 'normal' LDL but a high count of small, dense LDL particles (LDL-P) or high Apolipoprotein B, which are more atherogenic.
Lab ranges are statistical averages, not biological laws. "Normal" for a 20-year-old male isn't normal for a 60-year-old female.
Clinical References
Source-of-truth databases and clinical guidelines for Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol:
Official Sources
- LDL: The "Bad" Cholesterol: MedlinePlusMedlinePlus
- Cholesterol test - Mayo ClinicMayo Clinic
Research & Guidelines
Related Indicators
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Binoy Babu, MBBS
Board Certified Doctor • 10+ Years Clinical Experience
Dr. Babu is a practicing physician dedicated to empowering patients with clear, actionable medical information. He founded 2opi to bridge the gap between complex lab reports and patient understanding, ensuring everyone has access to a reliable second opinion.
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