What is LDL (Bad) Cholesterol in Blood Test? What is High and Low LDL (Bad) Cholesterol Level? Causes & Treatment?
- Health Garden
- Apr 9, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 17, 2024
LDL Cholesterol in blood test is a test that measures the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in your blood.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells in the body. It is produced primarily in the liver, but can also be obtained externally through food. The body needs some cholesterol to function properly. Cholesterol plays a role in the formation of cell membranes, the production of many hormones, vitamin D synthesis and fat digestion.
Since cholesterol is not soluble in water, it cannot pass into the blood on its own and cannot be distributed in the body on its own. LIPOPROTEINS are produced by the liver to help transport cholesterol. Cholesterol-carrying lipoproteins are divided into two main groups according to their functions: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
The job of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also called bad cholesterol, is to carry cholesterol through your arteries. LDL cholesterol itself is not actually bad. On the contrary, it is necessary for some body functions. It can only cause some health problems when there is more than necessary in the blood. If LDL cholesterol levels are too high, it can accumulate on artery walls over time. This condition is called atherosclerosis, and the resulting plaques are called cholesterol plaques or atherosclerotic plaques. In some cases, these deposits can break down and cause clot formation, which can disrupt the blood flow pattern in various organs, especially the heart. If a blood clot formed in this way blocks the vessels leading to the heart, it can cause a heart attack, and if it blocks a vessel leading to the brain, it can cause a stroke. High cholesterol can also create a bile imbalance and increase the risk of gallstones. For these reasons, LDL is called bad cholesterol.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as good cholesterol, helps cholesterol return to the liver to be eliminated from the body. In this way, it prevents the accumulation of cholesterol plaques in the arteries. This is why it is called good cholesterol.
What is A Normal LDL Cholesterol Level in Blood Test ?
For healthy people, a normal LDL Cholesterol value in a blood test is below 100 mg/dL. For people with or at risk for coronary artery disease or other forms of atherosclerosis, the preferred value is less than 70 mg/dL. The table below shows detailed LDL cholesterol levels:
Optimal: Less than 100 mg/dL
Near optimal: 100-129 mg/dL
Borderline high: 130-159 mg/dL
High:160-189 mg/dL
Very High: 190 mg/dL and above
To obtain the most accurate results, you should fast for 12 hours before the blood sample is taken.
What is High LDL Cholesterol Level in Blood Test?
High LDL means there is too much low-density lipoprotein in the blood.
If LDL cholesterol levels are high, it can accumulate on artery walls over time. This condition is called atherosclerosis, and the resulting plaques are called cholesterol plaques or atherosclerotic plaques. In some cases, these deposits can break down and cause clot formation, which can disrupt the blood flow pattern in various organs, especially the heart. If a blood clot formed in this way blocks the vessels leading to the heart, it can cause a heart attack, and if it blocks a vessel leading to the brain, it can cause a stroke.
What Causes High LDL Cholesterol Level in Blood Test?
Not exercising: regular exercise helps increase HDL levels while lowering LDL levels.
Poor diet: Consuming saturated fats found in animal products and trans fats found in processed foods can increase cholesterol levels. Foods that are inherently high in cholesterol, such as red meat and full-fat dairy products, can also increase cholesterol levels.
Obesity: Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above increases an individual's risk of high cholesterol.
Smoking: Smoking damages the walls of blood vessels, making it easier for fatty deposits to accumulate. It may also lower levels of HDL or "good" cholesterol.
Hereditary Causes: genetic structure may prevent the process of removing LDL cholesterol from the blood from occurring effectively or may cause the liver to produce more cholesterol than necessary.
Diabetes mellitus: High blood sugar increases the blood level of a very dangerous type of cholesterol called very low density lipoprotein, or VLDL, and causes the level of HDL cholesterol to decrease. High blood sugar also damages blood vessel walls. Kidney disease or hypothyroidism can also cause problems with cholesterol levels.
Age and Sex. As women and men get older, their cholesterol levels rise. Before the age of menopause, women have lower total cholesterol levels than men of the same age. After the age of menopause, women's LDL levels tend to rise.
Medicines: Certain medicines, including steroids, some blood pressure medicines, and HIV medicines, can raise your LDL level.
Other medical conditions: Diseases such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and HIV can cause a higher LDL level.
High LDL Cholesterol Symptoms
High LDL itself does not cause any symptoms. Symptoms depend on the underlying cause. In addition, high LDL cholesterol in the blood can accumulate in the vessels and prevent cells from being fully oxygenated. Depending on which organ or cell group there is accumulation in the vessels, various symptoms may be observed in those areas. Possible symptoms of high LDL can be listed as follows:
Shortness of breath
Heartache
Chest pain
Leg pain
Weakness and fatigue
Dizziness
Pale skin
Yellow oil glands on the face or around the eyes
How to Treat High LDL Cholesterol Level?
In order to treat high LDL, the underlying causes must first be identified and the treatment should be directed towards this. If lifestyle factors such as nutrition, inactivity and smoking are the cause of high LDL, lifestyle changes should be made. When these are not sufficient, your doctor may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications. The aim of treatment is to reduce the liver's cholesterol production. In addition, conditions caused by high LDL are also part of the treatment plan. Treatment of high LDL should be continued under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner.
What is Low LDL Cholesterol Level in Blood Test?
Low LDL is the presence of low-density lipoprotein in the blood and is desirable. There is no clear answer for low LDL level. However, in some cases, low LDL may be a sign of another condition that needs intervention.
What Causes Low LDL Cholesterol Level in Blood Test?
Some possible causes of low LDL include:
Malnutrition: A diet without enough fat and cholesterol can lower LDL levels.
Liver diseases: The liver is responsible for producing cholesterol. Liver disease can lower LDL levels.
Genetic factors: A family history of low LDL cholesterol is the most common cause of low LDL.
Hypothyroidism: LDL levels may drop when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.
Low LDL Cholesterol Symptoms
Low LDL does not have any symptoms. If LDL is low due to an underlying disease or malnutrition, related symptoms may occur. Although it has been suggested that there may be a link between low LDL and conditions such as depression and anxiety, more research is needed.
How to Treat Low LDL Cholesterol Level?
Treatment for low LDL depends on the underlying cause. Once the underlying cause is identified, your doctor will apply the appropriate treatment protocol. If there is low LDL due to nutrition, eating habits should be changed. Low LDL caused by liver disease can be corrected by treating the liver disease. Your doctor may recommend medications or other treatments to manage your liver disease. Low LDL caused by genetic factors usually does not require treatment.