LDL Cholesterol
Also written as: LDL-C, Low-density lipoprotein
The cholesterol fraction most closely tied to artery plaque.
What it measures
The cholesterol carried on low-density lipoprotein particles. On many panels it is calculated from the other values rather than measured directly.
Why a doctor orders it
It is the value most used in cardiovascular risk assessment and the main target of cholesterol-lowering treatment.
What is generally associated with a higher result
Higher LDL is associated at a population level with greater risk of plaque building up in arteries over time. It is influenced by diet, genetics including inherited conditions, thyroid function, kidney and liver conditions, and some medications.
What is generally associated with a lower result
Lower values are the direction cholesterol-lowering treatment generally aims for at a population level. Very low values can occur with some inherited conditions, liver disease, and malnutrition.
Everyday things that move this number
Not every shift in a value reflects disease. These are ordinary factors known to affect this particular measurement:
- Whether you fasted, which affects calculated LDL more than measured LDL
- Recent illness, which can temporarily lower it
- Pregnancy
- Thyroid function
Questions to take to your appointment
- What is my overall cardiovascular risk, not just this number?
- Was this calculated or directly measured?
- Does my family history change how you read this?
Build a printable questionnaire with your own results →
Where to read more
MedlinePlus, from the US National Library of Medicine, publishes patient-facing pages on individual lab tests and is a reliable next stop: medlineplus.gov/lab-tests .
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