Small Dense LDL (sdLDL) details
What Small Dense LDL (sdLDL) shows
Small dense LDL (sdLDL) is a subset of LDL, or bad cholesterol, made up of smaller, denser particles. These are thought to enter artery walls more easily and stay in the blood longer, so they are considered especially likely to contribute to plaque buildup. This test measures the cholesterol carried in sdLDL to add detail beyond a standard lipid panel when assessing cardiovascular risk. Higher levels are associated with greater heart disease risk and are often seen with high triglycerides, low HDL, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. It is interpreted alongside your full lipid panel and other risk factors, not as a measure on its own.
Tests that include Small Dense LDL (sdLDL)
This test is crucial for understanding your risk related to lipoprotein disorders, which are linked to cardiovascular diseases. It's used alongside other lipid measurements and clinical evaluations to help manage these risks effectively.
- Small Dense LDL (sdLDL) Measures small dense LDL, a type of LDL cholesterol particle considered especially likely to contribute to artery plaque, adding detail to a lipid panel.
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