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About… LDL Cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is considered to be the "bad" cholesterol. It is a waxy fat found in the blood and in the body's cells. Most of the cholesterol in the body is carried by LDL. If there is too much LDL cholesterol in the blood, it may mix with other substances to form a plaque or atherosclerosis, which can narrow the arteries and may result in a heart attack or stroke.
LDL levels are checked by a blood test known as a lipid profile that usually includes total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides. These are usually tested when you are fasting and healthy. LDL levels may be low temporarily if you are acutely ill, have a heart attack, or after a period of stress from surgery or an accident. A high LDL increases your risk for cardiovascular disease.
Treatment of high LDL levels begins with diet and exercise. Talk to your doctor, nurse, or dietician about the foods you should avoid. Generally, you should lower your intake of fats and red meat. Read food labels for cholesterol content. Get clearance from your health-care provider for regular exercise. Walking briskly is ideal and you should strive to walk every day of the week.
Talk to your health-care provider and find out your LDL readings, or, if they have not been tested yet, ask to have it done as soon as possible. Then discuss how you can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease if your reading is not ideal.
Current LDL guidelines:
- <100 optimal
- 100-129 near optimal
- 130-159 borderline high
- 160-169 high
- >190 very high
The guidelines are more strict if you are at very high risk of cardiovascular disease (a smoker, over age 45 if male and age 55 if female, have an HDL below 40, high blood pressure, or family history of early cardiovascular disease). In that case, your LDL should be below 70 mg/dL.
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