LDL vs HDL - what's the difference?
Both are cholesterol, but with opposite roles: LDL ("bad") builds up in arteries, HDL ("good") clears it away. Here's the breakdown.
LDL
Low-density lipoprotein - carries cholesterol to your tissues; excess builds up in artery walls. The "bad" one.
HDL
High-density lipoprotein - carries excess cholesterol back to the liver. The "good" one; higher is usually better.
LDL vs HDL
| LDL Cholesterol | HDL Cholesterol | |
|---|---|---|
| Unit | mg/dL | mg/dL |
| Typical adult range | < 100 mg/dL | Men ≥ 40; women ≥ 50 mg/dL |
| Common reasons for a high value | Atherogenic burden; Familial hypercholesterolaemia | Usually a favourable signal; Very high HDL (>100 mg/dL) |
| Common reasons for a low value | Usually a benign or beneficial state; Severe liver disease | Low HDL is a cardiovascular risk amplifier; Smoking, sedentary lifestyle, anabolic steroid use |
Key differences
- LDL carries cholesterol into arteries; HDL carries it back out.
- For LDL the goal is lower; for HDL, higher.
- Both are part of the lipid panel, along with triglycerides.
- The ratio and overall context matter more than one number.
Bottom line
You want LDL lower and HDL higher. But decisions are made on the whole panel and your risk, not one value - with your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Which one matters more?
For heart risk, LDL is usually the focus for lowering, but a low HDL is a risk factor too. They're read together.
What if HDL is high but so is LDL?
It's about the balance and the absolute values; your doctor weighs both plus triglycerides and your overall risk.
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