:: Health Conditions - Cholesterol

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) - Bad Cholesterol

Cholesterol travels through your blood attached to a protein. This cholesterol-protein package is called a lipoprotein. Lipoproteins are either high density, low density, or very low density, depending on how much protein there is in relation to fat.

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is the "bad" cholesterol, which carries mostly fat and only a small amount of protein from the liver to other parts of the body. A high LDL cholesterol level is considered a risk factor for coronary artery disease because, under certain conditions, it can cause hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) is called "bad" cholesterol because it can cause cholesterol buildup and blockage of your arteries. LDL is mostly fat with only a small amount of protein. By lowering LDL cholesterol, you can reduce your risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, and other complications

Cholesterol is measured either in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) or in millimoles per liter of blood (mmol/L).

• An LDL cholesterol level of less than 100 mg/dL (less than 2.6 mmol/L) is considered optimal.
• An LDL cholesterol level of 100 to 129 mg/dL (2.6 to 3.35 mmol/L) is considered near optimal.
• An LDL level of 130 to 158 mg/dL (3.35 mmol/L to 4.10 mmol/L) is considered borderline high.
• An LDL level of 160 to 189 mg/dL (4.12 to 4.88 mmol/L) is considered high.
• An LDL level of 190 and above (4.90 mmol/L to 4.88 mmol/L) is considered very high.
  

A blood test can determine whether your cholesterol is too high. People with at least a moderate risk for developing heart disease (especially those who have diabetes) may benefit from lowering LDL cholesterol levels. The specific target LDL level depends on a person's number and type of risk factors.