Table of Contents
- Overview
- Results
- Risks
- Prevention
- Images
Low-density lipoprotein test
Normal Values
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.
What abnormal results mean
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
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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)
