LDL cholesterol is the “bad” cholesterol that can build up in arteries and impact heart health.
LDL cholesterol is often called the bad cholesterol. It carries cholesterol from the liver to the rest of the body, and when there is too much it builds up in artery walls.
That build up is the main driver of atherosclerosis, the narrowing and hardening of arteries that leads to heart attack and stroke.
High LDL is one of the strongest modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The more LDL there is and the longer it stays high, the greater the lifetime risk. Lowering it through diet, exercise, or medication reduces that risk.
Low LDL is generally good for heart health. Your personal target depends on your overall risk, so the same number can be fine for one person and too high for another.
Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.
| Category | LDL cholesterol (SI) |
| Optimal | below 3.0 mmol/L |
| Borderline | 3.0 to 4.1 mmol/L |
| High | above 4.1 mmol/L |
Ranges are guidance only. Targets are set by your personal cardiovascular risk, and people at high risk aim much lower (often below 1.8 mmol/L) per ESC guidance. To convert, 1 mmol/L is about 38.7 mg/dL. Read against your own lab's interval.
When LDL is calculated rather than measured, very high triglycerides or a non fasting sample can make it less accurate, so a fasting draw is often preferred. Recent illness, pregnancy, and some medicines shift lipid levels. Direct LDL assays avoid the fasting issue.
Read as part of a full lipid panel with HDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides, and often with hs-CRP for overall heart risk.
What does my LDL result mean? Lower values generally mean lower long-term heart risk. Higher values suggest more plaque buildup risk.
Do I need to fast for LDL? For most people, fasting is not required. Your clinician may ask for fasting if triglycerides are very high or to confirm results.
What can affect my LDL result? Recent illness, pregnancy, a big meal, heavy alcohol, or intense exercise can shift results. Some medicines and supplements also change LDL.
How often should I test LDL? Many healthy adults check every 4 to 6 years with a lipid panel. If you have risks or treatment changes, testing may be more frequent.
How long do results take? Results are usually ready in about 7 days.
What should I discuss with my clinician? Ask about your overall heart risk, lifestyle steps, and whether treatment is recommended. Bring a list of medications and supplements.
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