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LDL test - Results

Alternative Names

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 70mg/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:

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:
  • Reviewed last on: 1/23/2008
  • Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults. Executive Summary of the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III). JAMA. 2001;285:2486-2497.