LDL cholesterol

Sue Heikkinen, MS, RDN, CDCES, BC-ADM, ACE-PT - Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

What is LDL cholesterol?

LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein–a.k.a. the "bad" cholesterol because a high LDL level can lead to a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries.

How can a high LDL level raise my risk of heart disease and other conditions?

A high LDL level means too much LDL cholesterol in your blood. This extra LDL, along with other substances, forms plaque. The plaque builds up in your arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis.

Coronary artery disease happens when plaque buildup is in the arteries of your heart. It causes the arteries to become hardened and narrowed, slowing down or blocking the blood flow to your heart. Since your blood carries oxygen to your heart, this means that your heart may not be able to get enough oxygen. This can cause angina (chest pain) or a heart attack if blood flow is completely blocked.

Atherosclerosis also increases risk for stroke and peripheral artery disease (reduced blood flow to the arms and legs).

How do I know what my LDL level is?

A blood test can measure all types of cholesterol levels. When and how often you should get this test depends on your age, risk factors, and family history.

What can affect my LDL level?

Diet

Limiting saturated fat and trans fats in the diet is the best way to lower LDL cholesterol. According to the American Heart Association, a heart-healthy diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish, nuts, and nontropical vegetable oils, while limiting red and processed meats, sodium, and sugar-sweetened foods and beverages.

Weight

Being overweight may increase your LDL level, lower your HDL level, and increase your total cholesterol level.

Physical Activity

A lack of physical activity can lead to weight gain, potentially raising your LDL level.

Smoking

Cigarette smoking raises your LDL and lowers your HDL level.

Age and sex

As women and men age, their cholesterol levels rise. Before menopause, women have lower total cholesterol levels than men of the same age. However, after menopause, women's LDL levels tend to rise.

Genetics

Your genes partly determine how much cholesterol your body makes. So high cholesterol can run in families.

Medical conditions and medications

Certain medicines, such as steroids, and medical conditions, such as kidney disease and diabetes, can cause a higher LDL level.

What should my LDL level be?

With LDL cholesterol, lower numbers are better because a high LDL level can raise your risk for coronary artery disease and other blood vessel conditions. Less than 100 mg/dl is considered optimal.

Sources:

American Heart Association
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

Additional resources:

5 ways to lower your cholesterol with a heart-healthy diet
Live longer with these heart-healthy lifestyle tips