The LDL cholesterol level shows the amount of harmful cholesterol in the blood.
LDL, or low-density lipoproteins, transport the majority of blood cholesterol and help cholesterol travel from the bloodstream to tissues. Excess cholesterol remains in the bloodstream and can accumulate in the walls of arteries, narrowing them. This type of cholesterol is also referred to as “bad” cholesterol.
The higher the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood, the more plaque typically forms on the walls of blood vessels. Therefore, the concentration of bad cholesterol usually better reflects the risk of developing cardiovascular disease than total cholesterol.
The amount of LDL cholesterol can be measured with blood tests.
The measurement of cholesterol (lipids or fat values) can consist of various components, common values that are analyzed include:
Over time, LDL cholesterol can build up in the artery walls. The build-up accumulates monocyte white cells. They are activated and transformed into macrophages, or phagocytes that are responsible for removing cholesterol from the artery walls. Good cholesterol (HDL) aims to remove cholesterol from macrophages back into the bloodstream and out of the body.
Excess LDL cholesterol begins to build up in the artery walls because the cholesterol circulation in the artery wall gets weaker. Extracellular cholesterol released by dying macrophages gradually appears on the artery wall. The cholesterol build-up condenses and grows outward and an atheromatous plaque is formed.
The atheromatous plaque gradually begins to narrow the blood vessel. Excess cholesterol can accumulate in any artery. Particularly during exercise, impaired blood flow due to the obstruction prevents the free flow of blood. The area in question suffers from a lack of blood flow, leading to a lack of oxygen. Lack of oxygen due to lack of blood flow manifests itself as pain either at rest or during exercise.
The surface of the atheromatous plaque may also suddenly rupture, resulting in a blood clot. The blood clot blocks the artery in question and prevents blood, oxygen, and glucose from entering the artery area, causing tissue death or an infarction.
Reference levels may vary depending on the laboratory and the test analysis method.
LDL cholesterol test measures the amount of harmful LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol in the blood.
Therefore, the concentration of bad cholesterol usually better reflects the risk of developing cardiovascular disease than total cholesterol.
Regular blood tests will help to identify elevated cholesterol, enabling appropriate treatment.
Adult’s total cholesterol should ideally be measured at least every five years. Values are typically measured more frequently if:
If a person is found to have elevated cholesterol known as hypercholesterolemia, medication is initiated and self-care is intensified. Cholesterol levels are usually measured approximately one month after starting treatment. Values are checked about once a year once hypercholesterolemia treatment is established.
Many factors can affect LDL cholesterol levels. Typically, high LDL cholesterol levels are caused by unhealthy habits that can be detrimental to health, including:
In addition, certain medications can raise LDL cholesterol levels, including:
Most common cause of high cholesterol (LDL) is a diet excessively rich in saturated fats. Avoiding hard fats, exercising and avoiding excess weight can affect the quantity and quality of total cholesterol in the body. Opt for soft vegetal fats. Elevated cholesterol is also associated with factors beyond our control. These include age, gender, and genetic predisposition.
Recommended fat intake for an adult is 25–40% of the total energy intake, with an average of about 60 grammes per day. Therefore, there is no reason to completely avoid fats, but the quality of the fats affects the amount of cholesterol in the body. Hard fats should account for no more than one third of the recommended daily intake, compared to two thirds of soft fats.
LDL cholesterol is increased by hard fats in food and, correspondingly, reduced by unsaturated or soft fats. Hard fats include fatty meats, ultra-processed foods, biscuits and unhealthy snacks.
Opt for whole grains, fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts in your diet.
Remember to also exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes a day several times a week. Exercise lowers the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood and raises HDL cholesterol. In addition, exercise is an important part of weight management as abdominal obesity raises cholesterol.
Cholesterol drugs, for exmple statins, can effectively reduce.
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Potassium is an essential salt for the body. It regulates, among other things, the body’s fluid balance.
Magnesium is an essential mineral for the body. It is needed for the functioning of the nervous system and several enzymes.
Iron is needed for the formation of red blood cells’ haemoglobin. In addition, it acts as a catalyst in many enzyme reactions.
Folate, or folic acid, is a group B vitamin obtained from food. It is an essential nutrient for humans.
The aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) test measures liver function and damage.
T4, or thyroxine, is a thyroid hormone and its level indicates the activity of the thyroid gland.
Glucose is an indicator of the blood sugar level. Blood sugar affects general well-being and energy levels, muscle and brain function and the feeling of hunger.
The LDL cholesterol level shows the amount of harmful cholesterol in the blood. Elevated cholesterol increases the risk of atherosclerosis.
Sodium is one of the most important salts in the body. It is essential for life, being a key substance in maintaining the membrane tension of all cells.
TSH or thyroid-stimulating hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland. TSH is tested when examining thyroid function.
Ferritin is a form of iron absorption and storage. It is a good measure of the body’s iron stores, and low ferritin content is a sign of iron deficiency.
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Article updated:
27 March 2024
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