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What Does LDL Cholesterol Measure?
LDL stands for Low-Density Lipoprotein, and is a type of cholesterol found in blood. It is one of three types of cholesterol that are typically tested during a cholesterol screening. It is commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol because when levels are too high it leads to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke.
LDL Cholesterol Levels
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) have established guidelines for desirable LDL cholesterol levels. These levels are categorized as follows:
Desirable LDL cholesterol levels are:
- Less than 100 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter of blood)
- 100-129 mg/dL is near ideal
- 130-159 mg/dL is borderline high
- 160-189 mg/dL is high
- 190 mg/dL and higher is very high.
Cholesterol Calculation
Your total cholesterol levels may be calculated by taking the sum of your High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides, and subtracting your HDL level from this sum.
Cholesterol Screening
Regular cholesterol screening helps to identify cholesterol levels which may be too high. The American Heart Association recommends that everyone over the age of 20 have a lipid profile test at least every four to five years to estimate their risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.
Maintaining Desirable LDL Levels
Making lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can help reduce LDL cholesterol and keep levels within desirable ranges.
Keywords: LDL Cholesterol, LDL Chol Calc, NIH, HDL Cholesterol, Lipid Profile Test, Cardiovascular Diseases, Heart Attack, Stroke, Lifestyle Changes.
