LDL Cholesterol
LDL ("bad") cholesterol is the cholesterol fraction most directly tied to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk.
What it measures
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is the particle that deposits cholesterol into artery walls. Decades of randomised trials show that lowering LDL-C lowers the rate of heart attacks and strokes — the dose-response is one of the most reproduced findings in modern cardiology. Most clinical labs report LDL-C calculated from total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides (the Friedewald equation), with direct measurement reserved for high-triglyceride states.
What a high value can mean
- Atherogenic burden — every 1 mmol/L (38.7 mg/dL) reduction lowers major vascular events by ~22%.
- Familial hypercholesterolaemia — values >190 mg/dL without lifestyle cause warrant genetic evaluation.
- Dietary pattern — saturated fat and trans fat raise LDL more than dietary cholesterol does.
- Hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, cholestatic liver disease — secondary causes worth excluding.
What a low value can mean
- Usually a benign or beneficial state — very low LDL is the goal in many secondary-prevention regimens.
- Severe liver disease — impaired synthesis.
- Hyperthyroidism — accelerated clearance.
- Inflammation, malnutrition — transient drops.
When to discuss with a doctor
Risk-targeted thresholds (per ESC 2021 and AHA 2019): <100 mg/dL for low risk, <70 for high risk, <55 for very-high risk (prior heart attack, diabetes with target-organ damage, peripheral arterial disease). Mediora.AI plots your trajectory; lifestyle plus statin therapy decisions need a clinician who knows your full risk picture.