High LDL Cholesterol: what it means
A LDL Cholesterol result above the normal range is considered high. Here is what a raised LDL Cholesterol can point to, and when it is worth discussing with a doctor.
Reference range: Optimal <100 mg/dL; <70 mg/dL for very-high-risk patients
Understand your full resultWhat a high LDL Cholesterol 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.
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.
Conditions this can relate to
Keep reading
One value is a snapshot. Upload the full test to see every marker explained together.
Upload your test - freeMediora.AI is informational - interpretation, not a diagnosis. A single out-of-range value is common and often benign; always discuss decisions with your doctor.