OVERVIEW
What is LDL (low-density lipoprotein)?
LDL is considered as bad cholesterol. Low density lipoproteins carry cholesterol that gets deposited on the inner walls of the vessels. LDL makes up most of your body's cholesterol, high level of LDL increases the risk of heart diseases and stroke.
WHY IS LDL TEST DONE?
This test is performed for the following reasons:
- As a part of lipid profile on a regular medical checkup
- As a diagnostic test for cardiovascular diseases
- To monitor patients with risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
- Why is LDL harmful to the body?
Increased levels of LDL are life-threatening because they may increase the risk of the following diseases:
- Coronary heart disease
- Atherosclerosis
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Angina
- Carotid artery disease
- What is the difference between good and bad cholesterol?
HDL or good cholesterol moves the bad cholesterol from the body back to the liver while, LDL or bad cholesterol leads to the development and build-up and plaque on the wall of arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- How to prepare for this test?
Your doctor may advise you to fast overnight before the test. Inform your doctor about your complete medical and drug history. Wear a short sleeved or loose shirt to aid the collection of sample.
- Who cannot get tested?
- Pregnant females
- Children younger than 2 years of age
- Patients with stress and illness
- What are the causes of high cholesterol levels?
- Red meat
- Egg yolk
- Whole milk dairy products
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- How to lower my cholesterol levels?
- Take a diet low in saturated fat and trans fat
- Exercise regularly
- Lose weight
- Consume fruits and vegetables
- Eat boiled and baked food
- Avoid smoking
- Statins.
Normal value: Less than 100 mg/dL
- Interpretation of test results:
Causes of High LDL levels:
- Foods rich in cholesterol and saturated fats
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Familial hypercholesterolemia
- Hypothyroidism
