Key takeaways
- LDL blood tests are essential for monitoring LDL cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels often show no symptoms but can lead to serious cardiovascular issues.
- Regular LDL cholesterol testing is recommended, especially for individuals with risk factors like heart disease, diabetes, or a family history of high cholesterol.
- Managing high LDL cholesterol involves lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and, in some cases, medication, while low levels may indicate underlying health issues requiring a doctor’s consultation.
LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) is a type of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol moves around a person’s body via lipoproteins in their bloodstream.
There are two types in the blood: LDL cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Some people may refer to LDL as “bad” cholesterol and HDL as “good” cholesterol.
The body uses cholesterol to make cells, vitamins, and various hormones. However, high levels of cholesterol can increase a person’s risk of heart disease.
LDL blood tests can help a doctor monitor a person’s LDL cholesterol levels and treat any issues quickly.
LDL tests are a form of blood test that doctors use to measure the amount of LDL cholesterol in a person’s bloodstream. A doctor can perform an LDL cholesterol test to measure LDL levels directly.
Alternatively, they can be part of a lipid panel test or measure LDL levels directly. Lipid panels can help doctors calculate LDL cholesterol levels by measuring the following:
- total cholesterol
- HDL cholesterol levels
- triglycerides, which are the
most common type of fat in the blood
The number of LDL cholesterol particles that a person has can help a doctor determine their risk of cardiovascular disease. High numbers of LDL cholesterol particles can mean that a person has a higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease.
Is it possible to test LDL levels at home?
A person can test their cholesterol levels at home.
Using home testing kits can give a person an idea of their total cholesterol levels. A person’s total cholesterol is the sum of all their cholesterol levels. However, home testing kits do not provide the levels of specific types of cholesterol, such as LDL cholesterol.
Medical professionals carry out clinical LDL cholesterol tests in a controlled environment to ensure accurate results. However, if a person follows the instructions correctly, a home testing kit can be almost as accurate as a clinical test. Additionally, home testing kits can provide results within minutes instead of days.
Home testing kits may be a convenient way for people to monitor their cholesterol levels. However, they cannot replace a professional screening and diagnosis.
The
Plaque is a substance comprising fat, cholesterol, calcium, and waste from body cells. Plaque can build up inside a person’s arteries, causing them to narrow or become blocked. A buildup of plaque
- coronary heart disease
- heart attack
- stroke
- chronic kidney disease
It is, therefore, important that a person has their cholesterol levels checked regularly.
A doctor can also use LDL blood tests to monitor how well a person is responding to LDL-lowering treatment.
A person can speak with a healthcare professional about their health history and how often they may require an LDL cholesterol test.
According to the
A person may need to have cholesterol tests more often if they have certain risk factors, including:
A person should follow any instructions given to them by the healthcare professional.
Before having an LDL-C blood test as part of a lipid panel, a person may have to fast for 12 hours. Fasting means that a person cannot eat or drink anything but water during this time.
However, fasting may not be necessary when a person’s triglycerides are not significantly raised or if LDL-C is being measured directly.
A person should let their doctor know before an LDL blood test if they are unwell, pregnant, or taking certain medications. These factors can affect a person’s LDL cholesterol levels.
During an LDL cholesterol blood test, a doctor will take a blood sample from either a vein or a finger prick and send it to a laboratory for testing.
If a person is measuring their cholesterol using a home testing kit, they will prick their own finger to obtain a blood sample. They can then test the sample using an electronic device or paper that changes color depending on the person’s cholesterol level.
LDL-C levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). The following table outlines LDL-C levels:
| Optimal | Near optimal | Borderline high | High | Very high |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 100 mg/dL | 100-129 mg/dL | 130-159 mg/dL | 160-189 mg/dL | 190 mg/dL and above |
If a person has high LDL cholesterol levels, their doctor may ask them about their family history, health, and lifestyle to determine what treatment will suit them best. They may also provide a person with an LDL-C level to aim for.
Although there are no official targets, doctors may suggest the following:
- no more than 115 mg/dL if a person is not at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease
- no more than 77 mg/dL, or a decrease of 40% from pre-treatment level, if a person is at a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease
Doctors may advise a person with high LDL cholesterol to make the following changes, where applicable:
- stopping smoking
- eating a diet low in saturated and trans fats
- getting regular exercise
- reaching or maintaining a moderate body weight
- managing stress
- getting enough sleep
- limiting alcohol intake
A doctor may also prescribe certain medications to help lower a person’s LDL cholesterol levels.
Low levels of LDL cholesterol can be a positive result. However, they can sometimes be due to health issues, such as:
- inherited lipoprotein deficiencies
- hyperthyroidism
- infection
- inflammation
- cirrhosis
For this reason, it is advisable to discuss the results with a doctor.
LDL blood tests measure a person’s LDL cholesterol levels in their blood. Cholesterol plays an important role in a range of bodily functions. However, high levels of LDL cholesterol can put a person at risk of heart disease.
During the LDL blood test, a doctor will take a blood sample, which they will then send to a laboratory for testing. Once a doctor receives a person’s LDL blood test results, they can discuss any treatments the person may require.
Anyone who feels concerned about their cholesterol levels should speak with a doctor.