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LDL in Serum

Main cholesterol-carrying lipoprotein and a key atherogenic apoB particle. Often calculated rather than measured, so unreliable when triglycerides are high; apoB better reflects particle number.
Also known as:
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterolS-LDLLDL-C.

LDL ranges

Interpret your result
"Normal" lab range for LDL is below 130 mg/dL:
130
According to Peter Attia, LDL should be below 70 mg/dL:
70
According to OptimalDX, LDL should be between 80 and 100 mg/dL:
80
100
Optimal range
Optimal range for LDL appears to be below 100 mg/dL:
0
100
130
250
Why this optimal range?
Preliminary range is based on functional health organizations including but not limited to those listed above.

What a high value may mean:

Common reasons for high LDL:

  • Diet and lifestyle: high saturated or trans fat intake, excess calorie intake, obesity, and low physical activity commonly raise LDL-C or other apoB-containing particles.

    Genetics: familial hypercholesterolemia and polygenic predisposition can cause persistent or markedly elevated LDL-C, often from a young age.

    Metabolic and hormonal: hypothyroidism and cholestatic liver disease are classic secondary causes. Insulin resistance or poorly controlled diabetes more often causes high triglycerides, low HDL, and small dense LDL, with LDL-C sometimes modestly increased.

    Less common: nephrotic syndrome and certain medications, including thiazide diuretics, retinoids, corticosteroids, and some immunosuppressants.

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Zsolt Szabo
Zsolt Szabo
Precision Health Consultant for Longevity Clinics

Please send me relevant research and feedback.

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I am particularly interested in research on biomarkers associated with all-cause mortality and on defining optimal reference ranges.