Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
LDL C
Description
"Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol" test measures the amount of LDL, often called “bad cholesterol,” which contributes to plaque buildup in arteries. High levels increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. This test is widely used to evaluate cardiovascular risk, especially in people with diabetes, obesity, or high blood pressure. Based on your results, doctors may suggest cholesterol-lowering medications, lifestyle adjustments, or regular follow-up. Monitoring LDL levels over time is essential for protecting long-term heart health and preventing complications.
Test Category
Lipids, Proteins
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Serum
Units
Milligrams Per Deciliter
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Basic Cardiovascular Group, Complete Lipid Group, Basic Lipid Group, Male Health Group, Female Health Group, Complete Cardiovascular Group, Cardio Risk Group
Test Group Description
Basic Cardiovascular Group: This group includes fundamental tests targeting essential markers related to cardiovascular health, providing foundational insights into cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and other key factors. Basic Lipid Group: This group encompasses tests vital for evaluating lipid levels in the blood, aiding in the assessment of cardiovascular health and risk factors for heart disease. Cardio Risk Group: This group focuses on assessing various markers associated with cardiovascular health and risk factors, aiding in the early detection and management of cardiovascular diseases. Complete Cardiovascular Group: This group contains comprehensive tests for an extensive evaluation of cardiovascular health, providing thorough insights into heart-related conditions beyond basic assessments. Complete Lipid Group: Extensive tests offer a comprehensive evaluation of lipid levels, providing detailed insights into cholesterol and triglyceride profiles and their implications for cardiovascular health. Female Health Group: A comprehensive array of tests provides insights into various aspects of female health and wellness, aiding in the evaluation and management of overall health for females. Male Health Group: A comprehensive array of tests provides insights into various aspects of male health and wellness, aiding in the evaluation and management of overall health for men.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 50.00–70.00 mg/dL
SI Unit: 1.29–1.81 mmol/L
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: <100.00 mg/dL
SI Unit: <2.59 mmol/L
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Alcoholism
Cholestasis (Impaired bile flow)
Chronic kidney disease
Diabetes (High blood sugar levels)
Familial hypercholesterolemia (Inherited high cholesterol levels)
Hypothyroidism (Underactive thyroid gland)
Metabolic syndrome (cluster of conditions incl...
Key Reasons For Testing
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Elevated LDL-C levels are a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Cholesterol-Lowering Therapy Monitoring: Tracks treatment effectiveness and guides medication adjustments.
Atherosclerosis Monitoring: Evaluates disease progression and treatment strategies.
Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosis: Key marker for CAD diagnosis and risk stratification.
Guidance for Lifestyle Modifications: Informs dietary and physical activity recommendations to lower cardiovascular risk.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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