LDL Cholesterol Levels

LDL stands for Low Density Lipoprotein. But more commonly, it is simply referred to as the bad cholesterol. Studies have shown that high LDL cholesterol levels are linked to increased chances of heart disease, giving LDL the bad rap.

Interestingly, cholesterol itself is not bad and is essential for having strong cell membranes and some hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. But, cholesterol is not soluble in blood. So it needs to be transported from liver (where it is generated) to the cells (where it is needed) and then back to the liver (where it is recycled or excreted).

This job of transporting cholesterol is carried out by proteins in the blood. Two of the most commonly found proteins are Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) and High Density Lipoproteins (HDL). It is believed that when there is too much Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) in the blood, it tends to deposit on the walls of the arteries by forming a layer of residue along with some other substances, resulting in what is commonly referred to as plaque. The slow buildup of plaque makes the arteries thick, narrow and less flexible, a condition called as  atherosclerosis. If a blood clot forms in the narrowed artery, it can cut off the oxygen to the heart, resulting in a heart attack, or cut off the oxygen to the brain, resulting in a stroke. This is reason LDL is called the “bad” cholesterol, and it is crucial to reduce the LDL levels in your blood and maintain normal cholesterol levels.

Optimal LDL Cholesterol Levels

Below 100 mg/dL (Below 2.6 mmol/L)

The “optimal” LDL cholesterol that a person should aim at, depends on the risk category the person is in. For instance, someone who has already had a heart attack is at a higher risk category than someone who has not. Someone who has two or more risk factors such as a family history of heart attacks and smokes, is in the higher risk category. Persons with higher risk factors should aim for a more aggressive goal of the optimal LDL cholesterol level. If you are unsure, talk to your doctor to determine your risk factor and the goal level for your LDL cholesterol. Medical studies have shown that in children, before the onset of plaque in the arteries, LDL cholesterol levels is about 35 mg/dL. So it is recommended that someone in the highest risk category should aim to get their LDL cholesterol level to less than 50 mg/dL. For someone who already has known onset of plaque, to slow down the progression of the disease, if 50 md/dL is not achievable, then they should at least try to get it down to under 70 mg/dL. For most other people with low or no risk factors, a good goal to aim for is to get the LDL cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL.

Near Optimal LDL Cholesterol Levels

100-129 mg/dL (2.6-3.3 mmol/L)

While having your LDL cholesterol in the range of 100-129 mg/dL is close to optimal, this range puts you at the low end of the range for possible onset of symptomatic heart disease. Since your range is so close to the optimal cholesterol levels, you should try lifestyle changes, either better eating habits or increased exercise or preferably both, to try and get your levels down to the optimal range.

Borderline High LDL Cholesterol Levels

130-159 mg/dL (3.4-4.1 mmol/L)

Once your LDL cholesterol gets in the range of 130-159 mg/dL, you need to get proactive about trying to reduce your cholesterol levels. This range puts you at a much higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Depending on your risk factors, you may also need to talk to your doctor about starting on medication to reduce your cholesterol levels.

High LDL Cholesterol Levels

160-189 mg/dL (4.1-4.9 mmol/L)

LDL levels in the range of 160-189 mg/dL are considered high. If you are in this range you should work aggressively to lower your cholesterol. Eating healthy and exercising regularly are no longer goals to aim for, but a necessity to avoid cardiovascular disease. Discuss with your doctor if it is necessary to start medication.

Very High LDL Cholesterol Levels

Above 190 mg/dL (Above 4.9 mmol/L)

Do you remember watching cartoons when you were younger? Do you remember the scenes when smoke comes out of the ears and the characters face turns red? That is the situation you are in, if your LDL cholesterol levels go beyond 190 mg/dL. It is time to stop kidding around and get serious about bringing your LDL levels to more manageable levels – R.I.G.H.T  A.W.A.Y.