LDL
Alternate Names : Low-Density Lipoprotein
What do the test results mean?
LDL results in healthy adults are evaluated as follows:
optimal is less than 100 milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dL
near optimal/above optimal is 100 to 129 mg/dL
borderline high is 130 to 159 mg/dL
high is 160 to 189 mg/dL
very high is 190 mg/dL or greater
If an individual has certain other risk factors, LDL goals are more strict. LDL goals for these groups are as follows:
less than 100 mg/dL for people with CHD and CHD risk equivalents
less than 130 mg/dL for individuals with two or more risk factors
less than 160 mg/dL for people with 0 to 1 risk factor
Abnormally high levels of LDL may indicate the following:
atherosclerosis
biliary cirrhosis, which is scarring and blockage of the bile ducts
diet high in cholesterol, saturated fats, calories, or trans fats
familial hyperlipidemia, a condition in which having high blood lipids runs in a family
heart attack
high stress
hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland
lack of exercise
nephrotic syndrome, which is a kidney disease resulting in loss of protein in the urine
overweight or obesity
uncontrolled diabetes
Abnormally low levels of LDL may indicate the following:
hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland
liver disease
malabsorption, or inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestines
malnutrition
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