You received your LDL cholesterol test results but still need help determining if they fall under the normal range. Read this section to understand whether your results are within the low density lipids normal range or not.
What Does LDL Test Results Mean?
A LDL cholesterol test result that shows high LDL cholesterol level may indicate that you are at a higher risk of developing plaque-led atherosclerosis that can affect your heart, brain, kidneys and other organs and lead to cardiovascular, coronary and peripheral arterial diseases, stroke and chronic kidney diseases among others.
Low LDL levels are highly desirable as this indicates that your bloodstream has less of bad cholesterol and more of good cholesterol (HDL), which helps your body cells attain stability and sustenance. Since LDL cholesterol range and its normal level may vary based on an individual’s diet, weight, level of physical activity, age, gender, genetic configurations, it is always recommended to get your LDL cholesterol direct levels checked periodically.
What Is LDL Cholesterol Normal Range?
Less than or equal to 100 mg/dL is considered the LDL cholesterol normal range.
[Source]
The higher your LDL levels are at any given time, the higher is the risk of developing cardiovascular ailments. However, if you are steroids and other medications for managing high BP, HIV and other health conditions, your LDL cholesterol levels might fluctuate or remain very high. Consult with your healthcare provider to seek the requisite preventive and treatment measures to achieve low-density lipids normal range.
What Medical Conditions Can Cause High LDL Levels?
High LDL levels and heart, brain and kidney diseases are profoundly interlinked. Some of the key aspects that can raise your LDL cholesterol levels include:
- Unmanaged stress (everyday or occasional)
- Certain medications, such as diuretics, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, antiviral medications, retinoids, oral estrogen pills, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics and beta-blockers.
- Unhealthy diet and Inactive lifestyle choices: A diet high in saturated and trans fats can raise LDL cholesterol levels, as can excessive consumption of dietary cholesterol.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy can temporarily raise LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol levels due to hormonal changes in women, increased fat storage for energy needs, placental cholesterol production, and potential insulin resistance.
- Type 2 Diabetes: People with diabetes mellitus type 2 often have elevated LDL levels, particularly if their blood sugar is poorly controlled.
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can lead to elevated LDL cholesterol levels due to reduced metabolic rate.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Polycystic Ovarian Disease is a hormonal disorder that can lead to high LDL cholesterol levels, among other lipid abnormalities.
What Medical Conditions Can Cause Low LDL Levels?
While a low LDL cholesterol range is desired, and can be a result of your on-going cholesterol treatment measures, too low LDL levels can be the warning sign of underlying health conditions.
Medical conditions that are linked with abnormally low levels of low-density lipoprotein include:
- Inherited lipoprotein deficiencies - A rare autosomal recessive genetic condition linked with lipid metabolism that comes accompanied by symptoms of high triglycerides, and chylomicronemia (a condition wherein your body does not break down lipids properly).
- Hyperthyroidism - Overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), Otherwise known as high thyroid hormone levels in your bloodstream, which is often caused due to your body’s autoimmune response.
- Malnutrition: Severe malnutrition and inadequate intake of essential nutrients can lower LDL levels.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions that cause hormonal imbalance in body , such as anorexia nervosa or adrenal insufficiency, can affect LDL cholesterol.
- Chronic Liver Disease: Advanced liver disease, including Liver cirrhosis, can impair the liver's ability to produce LDL cholesterol.
Opt for on-time diagnosis, healthier lifestyle choices, such as a balanced diet, adequate exercise and restrict alcohol consumption and smoking to attain normal LDL cholesterol levels and minimise your risks for cardiovascular and other health complications.
