LDL
Description
- Optimal < 100 mg/dl
- Near optimal , above optimal 100-130 mg/dl
- Borderline high 130 – 160 mg/dl
- High 160 – 190 mg/dl
- Very high : > 190 mg/dl
Clinical significance
- LDL delivers cholesterol to cells for membrane synthesis, via LDL receptors. In healthy humans, more than 70 % of the LDL circulating in plasma is removed each day through LDL receptors. Diet high in Saturated fat and cholesterol decrease the livers endogenous synthesis of cholesterol and can cause chronic suppression of the LDL receptors resulting in elevated circulatory levels of LDL.
- Excess LDL is removed from the blood streams by cells of the reticuloendothelial system via the scavenger cell pathway. This removal results in the perioxidation of LDL and may promote the cholesterol and cholestryl ester accumulation in macrophages and smooth muscle cells that leads to the development of Atherosclerotic plaques.
- LDL is referred to as Bad cholesterol because elevated levels o f LDL correlate most directly with coronary heart disease.
When to get tested
Elevated level
- Increased risk of Atherosclerotic disease
- Familial Hyperlipoproteinemia
Decreased level
- Malabsorption
- Malnutrition
Profile
Cardiac
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