LDL Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol as it can build up in the walls of your blood vessels.
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol as it can build up in the walls of your blood vessels.
LDL Cholesterol
Normal range
Normal range
<3 mmol/L
<3 mmol/L
Normal range
<3 mmol/L
<3 mmol/L
Normal range
LDL Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol as it can build up in the walls of your blood vessels.
LDL Cholesterol
Normal range
<3 mmol/L
Normal range
<3 mmol/L
<3 mmol/L
Normal range
LDL Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol as it can build up in the walls of your blood vessels.
LDL Cholesterol
Normal range
<3 mmol/L
Normal range
<3 mmol/L
<3 mmol/L
Normal range
LDL Cholesterol
Dr. Yiannis Balanos
MBBS MRCGP
The Artery-Clogging Cholesterol
The Artery-Clogging Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol is often called "bad" cholesterol because it carries cholesterol from your liver to your tissues, where it can build up in artery walls and form dangerous plaques. While your body needs some LDL cholesterol for essential functions, too much in your bloodstream significantly increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
LDL cholesterol is often called "bad" cholesterol because it carries cholesterol from your liver to your tissues, where it can build up in artery walls and form dangerous plaques. While your body needs some LDL cholesterol for essential functions, too much in your bloodstream significantly increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
When LDL Cholesterol Stays Normal
When LDL Cholesterol Stays Normal
When LDL Cholesterol Stays Normal
Discover how healthy LDL levels support essential body functions whilst keeping your cardiovascular system protected.
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When LDL Cholesterol Climbs Too High
When LDL Cholesterol Climbs Too High
When LDL Cholesterol Climbs Too High
Learn why high LDL cholesterol becomes a silent threat that can lead to sudden heart attacks and strokes.
Read more
What Influences Your LDL Cholesterol Levels?
What Influences Your LDL Cholesterol Levels?
What Influences Your LDL Cholesterol Levels?
From diet to genetics, understand the key factors that can dramatically raise or lower your "bad" cholesterol.
Read more
Understanding Your Results
Understanding Your Results
Understanding Your Results
Decode your LDL cholesterol numbers and know exactly what your levels mean for your cardiovascular risk.
Read more
When LDL Cholesterol Stays Normal
Normal LDL cholesterol levels allow your body to transport cholesterol for essential functions—like building cell membranes and producing hormones—without overwhelming your cardiovascular system. At healthy levels, LDL cholesterol supports normal bodily functions whilst your natural clean-up systems can manage any excess.
Your arteries remain clear and flexible, blood flows freely, and your risk of heart attack and stroke stays low. Normal LDL levels work in harmony with healthy HDL cholesterol to maintain optimal cardiovascular health.
When LDL Cholesterol Stays Normal
Normal LDL cholesterol levels allow your body to transport cholesterol for essential functions—like building cell membranes and producing hormones—without overwhelming your cardiovascular system. At healthy levels, LDL cholesterol supports normal bodily functions whilst your natural clean-up systems can manage any excess.
Your arteries remain clear and flexible, blood flows freely, and your risk of heart attack and stroke stays low. Normal LDL levels work in harmony with healthy HDL cholesterol to maintain optimal cardiovascular health.
When LDL Cholesterol Stays Normal
Normal LDL cholesterol levels allow your body to transport cholesterol for essential functions—like building cell membranes and producing hormones—without overwhelming your cardiovascular system. At healthy levels, LDL cholesterol supports normal bodily functions whilst your natural clean-up systems can manage any excess.
Your arteries remain clear and flexible, blood flows freely, and your risk of heart attack and stroke stays low. Normal LDL levels work in harmony with healthy HDL cholesterol to maintain optimal cardiovascular health.
When LDL Cholesterol Climbs Too High
High LDL cholesterol rarely causes symptoms you can feel, making it a silent threat to your cardiovascular health if it is very high over time.High LDL cholesterol means there's too much "bad" cholesterol circulating in your bloodstream, which can sit and build up in blood vessels.
Over time, LDL particles can enter artery walls, trigger inflammation, and form plaques that narrows blood vessels. When these plaques rupture, they cause blood clots that can completely block blood flow to your heart or brain. This is how most heart attacks and strokes occur.
In people with familial hypercholesterolaemia or extremely high LDL cholesterol, you might notice yellowish deposits called xanthomas. These are cholesterol-rich bumps that can appear on tendons (particularly around the knuckles, elbows, knees, or Achilles tendon), in the creases of palms, or around the eyelids. Think of them as the body's way of storing excess cholesterol when there's too much circulating in the bloodstream. Whilst not painful, these deposits may be warning signs that cholesterol levels are very high and require medical attention.
When LDL Cholesterol Climbs Too High
High LDL cholesterol rarely causes symptoms you can feel, making it a silent threat to your cardiovascular health if it is very high over time.High LDL cholesterol means there's too much "bad" cholesterol circulating in your bloodstream, which can sit and build up in blood vessels.
Over time, LDL particles can enter artery walls, trigger inflammation, and form plaques that narrows blood vessels. When these plaques rupture, they cause blood clots that can completely block blood flow to your heart or brain. This is how most heart attacks and strokes occur.
In people with familial hypercholesterolaemia or extremely high LDL cholesterol, you might notice yellowish deposits called xanthomas. These are cholesterol-rich bumps that can appear on tendons (particularly around the knuckles, elbows, knees, or Achilles tendon), in the creases of palms, or around the eyelids. Think of them as the body's way of storing excess cholesterol when there's too much circulating in the bloodstream. Whilst not painful, these deposits may be warning signs that cholesterol levels are very high and require medical attention.
When LDL Cholesterol Climbs Too High
High LDL cholesterol rarely causes symptoms you can feel, making it a silent threat to your cardiovascular health if it is very high over time.High LDL cholesterol means there's too much "bad" cholesterol circulating in your bloodstream, which can sit and build up in blood vessels.
Over time, LDL particles can enter artery walls, trigger inflammation, and form plaques that narrows blood vessels. When these plaques rupture, they cause blood clots that can completely block blood flow to your heart or brain. This is how most heart attacks and strokes occur.
In people with familial hypercholesterolaemia or extremely high LDL cholesterol, you might notice yellowish deposits called xanthomas. These are cholesterol-rich bumps that can appear on tendons (particularly around the knuckles, elbows, knees, or Achilles tendon), in the creases of palms, or around the eyelids. Think of them as the body's way of storing excess cholesterol when there's too much circulating in the bloodstream. Whilst not painful, these deposits may be warning signs that cholesterol levels are very high and require medical attention.
What Influences Your LDL Cholesterol Levels?
Factors That Increase LDL Cholesterol: Several lifestyle and medical factors can raise your LDL cholesterol: diets high in saturated fats, trans fats (partially hydrogenated oils, fried foods, baked goods), excess body weight, lack of physical activity or sedentary lifestyle, smoking cigarettes, genetics (familial hypercholesterolaemia), diabetes and insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, and certain medications
Factors That Decrease LDL Cholesterol: Fortunately, many factors can help lower your LDL cholesterol: diets rich in soluble fibre (oats, beans, fruits, vegetables), plant sterols and stanols, regular physical activity and exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, avocados), soy proteins, fatty fish rich in omega-3s, and limiting saturated fats to less than 7% of daily calories.
You may be at higher risk for high LDL cholesterol if you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, are overweight or obese, are physically inactive, smoke cigarettes, have diabetes, or follow a diet high in saturated and trans fats.
What Influences Your LDL Cholesterol Levels?
Factors That Increase LDL Cholesterol: Several lifestyle and medical factors can raise your LDL cholesterol: diets high in saturated fats, trans fats (partially hydrogenated oils, fried foods, baked goods), excess body weight, lack of physical activity or sedentary lifestyle, smoking cigarettes, genetics (familial hypercholesterolaemia), diabetes and insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, and certain medications
Factors That Decrease LDL Cholesterol: Fortunately, many factors can help lower your LDL cholesterol: diets rich in soluble fibre (oats, beans, fruits, vegetables), plant sterols and stanols, regular physical activity and exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, avocados), soy proteins, fatty fish rich in omega-3s, and limiting saturated fats to less than 7% of daily calories.
You may be at higher risk for high LDL cholesterol if you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, are overweight or obese, are physically inactive, smoke cigarettes, have diabetes, or follow a diet high in saturated and trans fats.
What Influences Your LDL Cholesterol Levels?
Factors That Increase LDL Cholesterol: Several lifestyle and medical factors can raise your LDL cholesterol: diets high in saturated fats, trans fats (partially hydrogenated oils, fried foods, baked goods), excess body weight, lack of physical activity or sedentary lifestyle, smoking cigarettes, genetics (familial hypercholesterolaemia), diabetes and insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, and certain medications
Factors That Decrease LDL Cholesterol: Fortunately, many factors can help lower your LDL cholesterol: diets rich in soluble fibre (oats, beans, fruits, vegetables), plant sterols and stanols, regular physical activity and exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, avocados), soy proteins, fatty fish rich in omega-3s, and limiting saturated fats to less than 7% of daily calories.
You may be at higher risk for high LDL cholesterol if you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, are overweight or obese, are physically inactive, smoke cigarettes, have diabetes, or follow a diet high in saturated and trans fats.
Understanding Your Results
LDL cholesterol levels are measured in millimoles per litre (mmol/L):
Normal: Below 3.0 mmol/L
High: 3.0-4.9 mmol/L
Very High: Above 4.9 mmol/L
LDL cholesterol should be evaluated alongside other lipid markers including HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol for a complete cardiovascular risk assessment. Some people may need lower LDL targets based on their overall risk factors.
Understanding Your Results
LDL cholesterol levels are measured in millimoles per litre (mmol/L):
Normal: Below 3.0 mmol/L
High: 3.0-4.9 mmol/L
Very High: Above 4.9 mmol/L
LDL cholesterol should be evaluated alongside other lipid markers including HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol for a complete cardiovascular risk assessment. Some people may need lower LDL targets based on their overall risk factors.
Understanding Your Results
LDL cholesterol levels are measured in millimoles per litre (mmol/L):
Normal: Below 3.0 mmol/L
High: 3.0-4.9 mmol/L
Very High: Above 4.9 mmol/L
LDL cholesterol should be evaluated alongside other lipid markers including HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol for a complete cardiovascular risk assessment. Some people may need lower LDL targets based on their overall risk factors.
The Takeaway
LDL cholesterol is a primary culprit in cardiovascular disease—the lower, the better for most people. High levels silently damage your arteries over years, often leading to sudden heart attacks or strokes without warning symptoms.
Most people can significantly reduce their LDL cholesterol through lifestyle changes—particularly dietary modifications, regular exercise, weight management, and not smoking. Some individuals with genetic predisposition or very high levels may need medication alongside lifestyle changes.
Don't underestimate the importance of LDL cholesterol in your lipid panel. Focus on lifestyle strategies that help optimise your overall cholesterol profile and balance.
The Takeaway
LDL cholesterol is a primary culprit in cardiovascular disease—the lower, the better for most people. High levels silently damage your arteries over years, often leading to sudden heart attacks or strokes without warning symptoms.
Most people can significantly reduce their LDL cholesterol through lifestyle changes—particularly dietary modifications, regular exercise, weight management, and not smoking. Some individuals with genetic predisposition or very high levels may need medication alongside lifestyle changes.
Don't underestimate the importance of LDL cholesterol in your lipid panel. Focus on lifestyle strategies that help optimise your overall cholesterol profile and balance.
The Takeaway
LDL cholesterol is a primary culprit in cardiovascular disease—the lower, the better for most people. High levels silently damage your arteries over years, often leading to sudden heart attacks or strokes without warning symptoms.
Most people can significantly reduce their LDL cholesterol through lifestyle changes—particularly dietary modifications, regular exercise, weight management, and not smoking. Some individuals with genetic predisposition or very high levels may need medication alongside lifestyle changes.
Don't underestimate the importance of LDL cholesterol in your lipid panel. Focus on lifestyle strategies that help optimise your overall cholesterol profile and balance.
References
British Heart Foundation. (2023). LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular disease: Understanding the mechanisms and management strategies.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2023). Cardiovascular disease: risk assessment and reduction, including lipid modification. NICE guideline [CG181].
Ference, B. A., Ginsberg, H. N., Graham, I., et al. (2017). Low-density lipoproteins cause atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Evidence from genetic, epidemiologic, and clinical studies. European Heart Journal, 38(32), 2459-2472.
Silverman, M. G., Ference, B. A., Im, K., et al. (2016). Association between lowering LDL-C and cardiovascular risk reduction among different therapeutic interventions. JAMA, 316(12), 1289-1297.
References
British Heart Foundation. (2023). LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular disease: Understanding the mechanisms and management strategies.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2023). Cardiovascular disease: risk assessment and reduction, including lipid modification. NICE guideline [CG181].
Ference, B. A., Ginsberg, H. N., Graham, I., et al. (2017). Low-density lipoproteins cause atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Evidence from genetic, epidemiologic, and clinical studies. European Heart Journal, 38(32), 2459-2472.
Silverman, M. G., Ference, B. A., Im, K., et al. (2016). Association between lowering LDL-C and cardiovascular risk reduction among different therapeutic interventions. JAMA, 316(12), 1289-1297.
References
British Heart Foundation. (2023). LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular disease: Understanding the mechanisms and management strategies.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2023). Cardiovascular disease: risk assessment and reduction, including lipid modification. NICE guideline [CG181].
Ference, B. A., Ginsberg, H. N., Graham, I., et al. (2017). Low-density lipoproteins cause atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Evidence from genetic, epidemiologic, and clinical studies. European Heart Journal, 38(32), 2459-2472.
Silverman, M. G., Ference, B. A., Im, K., et al. (2016). Association between lowering LDL-C and cardiovascular risk reduction among different therapeutic interventions. JAMA, 316(12), 1289-1297.
Research articles
Research articles
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