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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 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:

Blood test

Reviewed last on: 9/12/2008
A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (1/23/2008).

References

Gaziano JM, Manson JE, Ridker PM. Primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 45.

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