Indicator Explainer
Low Density Lipoprotein
A lipoprotein that carries cholesterol around the body, for use by various cells. LDL transports cholesterol to the arteries and increased levels are associated with atherosclerosis, and thus myocardial infarctions and strokes. This is why cholesterol inside LDL lipoproteins is called bad cholesterol.
This page explains what the indicator is and how results are interpreted in general terms. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the method, and your own situation — no single “normal value” applies to everyone. This page is health information, not a diagnosis. For symptoms, treatment, or urgent concerns, contact a healthcare professional.
When it is tested
Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C25187. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0. Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-18. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Reading results
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.
Also Known As
Related Tests
Tests that measure or involve this indicator.
References
- NCI Thesaurus 26.09d — Low Density Lipoprotein (C25187)
- Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C25187. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0.
- Estimated small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and incident myocardial infarction in patients undergoing dialysis: a nationwide cohort study. — Ann Med, 2026-10-09 (PMID 42851132; literature)
- From low-density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering to mortality risk reduction: What can real-world evidence tell us and teach us? — Rev Port Cardiol, 2026-10-08 (PMID 42849617; literature)
- Lysine-Proline-Valine attenuates oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced foam cell formation and inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 macrophages. — Tissue Cell, 2026-10-07 (PMID 42854645; literature)
- Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction and its effect on all-cause death: A sub-analysis of the population-based cohort study LATINO. — Rev Port Cardiol, 2026-10-07 (PMID 42843720; literature)
- Enlicitide: The First Oral PCSK9i for Lowering Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol. — Ann Pharmacother, 2026-10-14 (PMID 42870623; literature)
- Dual Control of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels by ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL8. — Circulation, 2026-10-13 (PMID 42866886; literature)
- Small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and risk of cardiovascular events in general adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. — BMJ Open, 2026-10-20 (PMID 42901588; literature)
- State-Level Disparities in Medicare Coverage and Costs of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Treatment: Changes Between 2023 and 2026. — Circ Popul Health Outcomes, 2026-10-20 (PMID 42899350; literature)
- Associations of early measured low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with 12-month stroke recurrence and 90-day functional outcome after moderate-to-severe ischemic stroke. — J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis, 2026-10-28 (PMID 42950994; literature)