❤️ Lipid Panel

LDL: What It Means for Your Health

LDL cholesterol is often called "bad" cholesterol because high levels lead to plaque buildup in arteries (atherosclerosis), narrowing blood vessels and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. LDL particles carry cholesterol from the liver to tissues, but excess particles deposit cholesterol in artery walls. LDL is the primary target of cholesterol-lowering therapy and the most important lipid marker for cardiovascular risk assessment.

Full Name
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol
Normal Range
0–130 mg/dL
Also Known As
LDL Cholesterol, LDL-C

Reference Range

LowNormal: 0–130 mg/dLHigh

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories, age groups, and sexes. The values shown are general adult reference ranges. Always compare your results to the specific range provided by your testing laboratory.

What Is LDL?

LDL cholesterol is often called "bad" cholesterol because high levels lead to plaque buildup in arteries (atherosclerosis), narrowing blood vessels and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. LDL particles carry cholesterol from the liver to tissues, but excess particles deposit cholesterol in artery walls. LDL is the primary target of cholesterol-lowering therapy and the most important lipid marker for cardiovascular risk assessment.

Commonly included in:

Lipid PanelCardiovascular Risk Panel

What Does High LDL Mean?

Above 130 mg/dL

Elevated LDL is the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It promotes atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Causes include a high-saturated-fat diet, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, genetics (familial hypercholesterolemia), hypothyroidism, and diabetes. Optimal LDL is below 100 mg/dL; for high-risk patients, below 70 mg/dL.

What Does Low LDL Mean?

Below 0 mg/dL

Very low LDL is generally not a concern when achieved through lifestyle or statins. Extremely low levels (below 40 mg/dL) from genetic causes (hypobetalipoproteinemia) may rarely be associated with fat-soluble vitamin deficiency. For most people, lower LDL is better for cardiovascular health.

Related Biomarkers in Lipid Panel

Total Cholesterol
Total amount of cholesterol in your blood.
Range: 0–200 mg/dL
HDL
"Good" cholesterol that removes excess cholesterol from arteries.
Range: 40–100 mg/dL
Triglycerides
Main type of fat stored and circulated in your blood.
Range: 0–150 mg/dL

Track Your LDL Over Time

Upload your blood test results to Hemoly and see how your LDL levels change over time. Get trend analysis, educational insights, and a personal health timeline.

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Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for interpretation of your blood test results and before making any health decisions.