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What Should a LDL Cholesterol Level Be?

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy, natural substance found in the bloodstream and every body cell. There are two primary types of cholesterol: LDL (low-density lipoprotein), called the "bad" type, and HDL (high-density lipoprotein), the good cholesterol. Excessive levels of LDL are harmful because they can clog arteries, which can lead to heart disease, heart attack or stroke. LDL levels are most often targeted when an individual is advised to lower his cholesterol and maintaining proper LDL levels in your bloodstream has many benefits.

  1. Testing

    • Blood tests, called lipid profiles, are administered to obtain LDL cholesterol levels and it is recommended you refrain from eating or drinking (other than water) nine to 12 hours prior to the test so accurate findings will be obtained. In the United States, blood cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL), but in Canada and Europe, the standard of measure is millimoles per liter of blood (mmol/L).

    LDL

    • Normal LDL levels are said to be under 70 mg (1.8 mmol) for extremely high risk individuals and below 100 mg (2.6 mmol) if you are only high risk. A rate of 100-129 mg (2.6-3.3 mmol) is near normal; 130-159 mg (3.4-4.1 mmol) is borderline high, 160-189 mg (4.1-4.9 mmol) high and over 190 mg (4.9 mmol) is very high.

    Risk Factors

    • If you are at high risk for heart disease, your LDL level should be 100 mg (2.6 mmol), which is lower than normal. If you are extremely high risk, your recommended rate is even lower and should be near 70 mg (1.8 mmol). You fall in the extreme risk category if you have a history of heart attack, diabetes or vascular disease. Additionally, the presence of two or more of these factors can put you at high risk as well: smoking, high blood pressure, low HDL and a family history of heart disease.

    Sources

    • High levels of LDL are primarily caused by over-consumption of saturated and trans fats and meat products. Other factors include: obesity, smoking, lack of regular exercise or mobility and diabetes mellitus.

    Effects

    • Trans fats elevate LDL levels and are found in fried and processed foods and commercially produced bakery items (cookies, donuts, muffins and crackers). When buying food products, it is advisable to read labels and identify the presence of LDL in the form of saturated or trans fats. You should be aware, however, that these ingredients are many times listed using terms such as hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated or trans fatty acids.

    Function

    • Your liver is another source of LDL, as it makes and secretes the substance. The organ contains LDL receptors that aid in collecting and removing excess levels from your blood. The more receptors you have, the lower your LDL rate will be. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is another way to lower your LDL level and keep it in an acceptable range.

    VLDL

    • Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) is a lesser known type of LDL cholesterol that is also measured during a blood test, although levels are not easy to determine. VLDL contains the highest amount of blood fat, or triglyceride, and is also considered a "bad" cholesterol. Measurements of VLDL are based on the amount of triglycerides in your blood and normal levels are said to be between 5 and 40 mg.

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