Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol details
What Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol shows
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is often called 'bad' cholesterol because excess LDL particles can penetrate artery walls and contribute to plaque buildup, a process that raises the risk of heart attack and stroke over time. It's one of the core components of a standard lipid panel and a primary target for cardiovascular risk management — lower levels are generally considered better, and target levels are often set more aggressively for people who already have other cardiovascular risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking history, or a family history of early heart disease.
Normal ranges
Typical adult range
1–100 mg/dL
Most labs report a range close to this
Hormunity optimal range
80–99.99 mg/dL
A narrower functional target
Each lab sets its own reference range. Always compare your result with the range printed on your report, and review it with a healthcare provider.
Tests that include Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol
Advanced Lipid Panel with Inflammation, Cardio IQ This test goes beyond the standard lipid panel to provide a more comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. According to the 2013 ACC/AHA guidelines, it's important to match statin treatment intensity with the absolute risk of cardiovascular events. This test includes advanced CVD markers like ion mobility, ApoB, lp(a), hsCRP, and Lp-PLA2, offering a clearer picture of your CVD risk.
- Apolipoprotein B The main protein found on LDL and other 'bad' cholesterol particles. Considered a strong indicator of cardiovascular risk, since each particle carries one ApoB molecule.
- Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol The 'bad' cholesterol that can build up in artery walls. A core marker used to assess cardiovascular disease risk.
- LDL Size Measures the average size of your LDL ('bad' cholesterol) particles; smaller, denser particles are considered more likely to contribute to artery plaque.
- Lipoprotein(a) A genetically-determined, LDL-like particle. Elevated levels are an independent, largely inherited risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Total Cholesterol The combined measure of all cholesterol in your blood — HDL, LDL, and other lipoproteins together. A foundational marker of cardiovascular risk.
- Triglycerides A type of fat in your blood used for energy storage. Elevated levels are linked to increased cardiovascular risk and often reflect diet, weight, or metabolic health.
- HDL Cholesterol The 'good' cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels are generally linked to lower cardiovascular risk.
- HDL Large The concentration of large HDL particles in your blood, measured as part of an advanced lipid panel to add detail on cardiovascular risk.
- C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity (hs-CRP) A sensitive marker of low-grade inflammation in the body, commonly used to help assess cardiovascular disease risk.
- LDL Medium Measures medium-sized LDL particles by ion mobility, part of an advanced lipid profile that looks at the size and number of LDL particles.
- LDL Particle Number LDL particle number — counts your actual LDL ('bad' cholesterol) particles rather than just the cholesterol they carry, often a stronger cardiovascular risk indicator than standard LDL cholesterol.
- LDL Pattern A classification of your LDL particle size profile as pattern A (mostly large particles) or pattern B (mostly small, dense particles), from ion mobility testing.
- LDL Small Measures small, dense LDL particles, a lipid subfraction associated with higher cardiovascular risk and insulin resistance.
- Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) Measures an enzyme linked to inflammation within artery walls, used as an additional marker to help assess cardiovascular risk.
- Non-HDL Cholesterol Total cholesterol minus HDL — capturing all the potentially artery-clogging ('bad') cholesterol particles in one number.
- Total Cholesterol / HDL Ratio Compares your total cholesterol to your HDL ('good') cholesterol, offering a quick snapshot of cardiovascular risk balance.
Lipid Panel, Cardio IQ This is the most widely used Lipid Panel, essential for detecting, classifying, and monitoring hyperlipidemia, a condition characterized by high levels of fats in the blood. Understanding your lipid levels is crucial for heart health.
- Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol The 'bad' cholesterol that can build up in artery walls. A core marker used to assess cardiovascular disease risk.
- Total Cholesterol The combined measure of all cholesterol in your blood — HDL, LDL, and other lipoproteins together. A foundational marker of cardiovascular risk.
- Triglycerides A type of fat in your blood used for energy storage. Elevated levels are linked to increased cardiovascular risk and often reflect diet, weight, or metabolic health.
- HDL Cholesterol The 'good' cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels are generally linked to lower cardiovascular risk.
- Non-HDL Cholesterol Total cholesterol minus HDL — capturing all the potentially artery-clogging ('bad') cholesterol particles in one number.
- Total Cholesterol / HDL Ratio Compares your total cholesterol to your HDL ('good') cholesterol, offering a quick snapshot of cardiovascular risk balance.
This panel measures serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and provides a calculated concentration of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol. Comprehensive lipid assessment aids in evaluating cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and the likelihood of an ischemic event. It is also useful for the prevention and management of atherosclerotic disease and diagnosis of metabolic syndrome [1].
- Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol The 'bad' cholesterol that can build up in artery walls. A core marker used to assess cardiovascular disease risk.
- Total Cholesterol The combined measure of all cholesterol in your blood — HDL, LDL, and other lipoproteins together. A foundational marker of cardiovascular risk.
- Triglycerides A type of fat in your blood used for energy storage. Elevated levels are linked to increased cardiovascular risk and often reflect diet, weight, or metabolic health.
- HDL Cholesterol The 'good' cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels are generally linked to lower cardiovascular risk.
- VLDL, Calculated Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein, a cholesterol particle that primarily carries triglycerides. Elevated levels are linked to increased cardiovascular risk.
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