Low-density lipoprotein test

A healthy LDL level is one that falls in the optimal or near-optimal range.

• Optimal: Less than 100 mg/dL (less than 70 mg/dL for persons with a history of heart disease or those at very high risk for atherosclerotic disease)
• Near Optimal: 100 - 129 mg/dL
• Borderline High: 130 - 159 mg/dL
• High: 160 - 189 mg/dL
• Very High: 190 mg/dL and higher

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

High levels of LDL may be associated with:

• Increased risk of atherosclerotic heart disease
• Familial hyperlipoproteinemia

Lower than normal levels of LDL may be caused by:

• Malabsorption (inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract)
• Malnutrition

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• Familial combined hyperlipidemia
• Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia
• Familial hypertriglyceridemia

Images

Review Date: 05/23/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)