Everything You Need to Know About LDL Cholesterol: The Ultimate Guide

As per statistics, nearly 31 percent of Indians struggle with high cholesterol levels. 

But what is the cause behind the rising cholesterol cases?

The cases are rising due to lifestyle-related health issues, driven by lifestyle changes, stress, and unhealthy habits, and demand urgent attention and equal prevalence of high cholesterol among men and women (31 percent and 30 percent). 

What is cholesterol, and why is it important? 

Cholesterol is a wax-like substance found in the cells of the body. Your liver produces cholesterol, which is also found in certain foods, such as meat and dairy products. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. However, having too much cholesterol in your blood may increase the risk of coronary artery disease. 

However, there are two major types of cholesterol: HDL, or High-density lipoprotein, known as "good cholesterol," and LDL, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, commonly referred to as "bad cholesterol," which is a type of lipoprotein in the blood.

Read on to learn more about LDL Cholesterol. 

What is LDL Cholesterol?

LDL, or Low-Density Lipoprotein, is also referred to as "bad cholesterol." It helps transport cholesterol from the liver to the cells in your body. High levels can result in the buildup of plaque in your arteries and raise the risk of heart disease and stroke. 

Because of their structure, fats can't move through the blood on their own. Lipoproteins transport fats to various cells throughout the body. LDL transports cholesterol to tissues throughout the body; however,  an excess of LDL in the blood can accumulate on arterial walls, leading to atherosclerosis. This can decrease blood flow and lead to cardiovascular problems.

Why is “LDL” Called Bad Cholesterol?

LDL cholesterol is commonly referred to as "bad cholesterol." This is because excess LDL cholesterol can cause plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) in your arteries when your LDL level is high. This plaque buildup may lead to - 

• Coronary artery disease (affecting your heart)
• Cerebrovascular disease (may affect your brain)
• Peripheral artery disease (may affect your legs and arms)
• Aortic aneurysm (may affect your aorta, your largest artery)

This is why doctors recommend maintaining a healthy level of LDL cholesterol.

HDL Vs. LDL Cholesterol

Lipoproteins are made of fat and proteins. They are the carriers that transport cholesterol throughout your body. 

LDL transports large amounts of cholesterol to the arteries for cell repair and maintenance. It is often referred to as "bad cholesterol" because excessive cholesterol can accumulate in artery walls. 

Excess cholesterol in the arteries can lead to plaque buildup, known as atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of blood clots. 

HDL is also known as “good cholesterol” because it removes this type of cholesterol from the body and transports it to the liver for elimination. 

Lifestyle factors are the major contributors that affect your cholesterol levels. You may have higher LDL levels and lower HDL levels if you:

• If you are obese
• follow a diet high in red meat, saturated fats, trans fats, full-fat dairy products, and processed foods
• have a large waist circumference
• Have a sedentary lifestyle routine
• use tobacco

High HDL and low LDL levels are good for cardiovascular health.

LDL Cholesterol Ranges

LDL Cholesterol Level	Range (mg/dL)	What It Means
Normal	Less than 100	Lowest risk for heart disease
Near Optimal/Above Optimal	100 – 129	Acceptable for healthy individuals
Borderline High	130 – 159	Increased risk; consider lifestyle changes
High	160 – 189	High risk; lifestyle changes and possibly medication needed
Very High	190 and above	Major risk: immediate medical intervention recommended

What Causes High LDL?

Several factors may contribute to high LDL levels. These factors include-

• Foods you eat: Fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, bakery products, and fast foods contain high amounts of saturated fat, and trans fat can lead to high LDL.
• Obesity: Being obese can increase the risk of high LDL levels.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure and HIV, can affect LDL levels.
• Health issues- People with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or HIV are at risk of high LDL cholesterol.
• Smoking: Reduces HDL and harms blood vessels.
• Genetics: Very high LDL levels can be caused by familial hypercholesterolemia.
• Age: Aging can naturally lead to higher LDL levels. 
• Gender: Females tend to have higher LDL levels after menopause.
• Inactivity- Low physical activity can lead to lower HDL and higher LDL
• Family history: If someone in your family has high cholesterol, you are more likely to develop it as well.

How Is High LDL Cholesterol Diagnosed?

There are various blood tests available to check LDL cholesterol. You should consult your doctor and have a blood test to determine your LDL levels. The important tests include-

• LDL Cholesterol Test- The LDL cholesterol test measures the LDL cholesterol in the blood.
• Lipid profile test- The lipid profile test detects various parameters, including Cholesterol Total, Serum, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and VLDL. 

You need to fast for 9-12 hours before the lipid profile test. However, if you are taking any medications, please let your doctor know. 

The recommendation for when to get a cholesterol test depends on your health status, risk, family history, and age. Healthy adults can take a lipid profile test every 1 or 2 years. 

Children aged 9 to 11 should take tests every 5 years, and individuals aged 45-60 must take the test annually to check their cholesterol levels.

You should get tested more often if you have high-risk factors like obesity, smoking, or a family history of heart disease.

Risks of High LDL Cholesterol

High levels of LDL cholesterol aren't usually symptomatic, but over the years, they can become serious health problems:

• Atherosclerosis: Buildup of plaques in arteries.
• Coronary artery disease: Lowered blood flow to the heart
• Heart Attack: Plaque Rupture Leading To Blood Flow Blocking
• Stroke: When the blood supply to the brain is interrupted
• Peripheral arterial disease (PAD): Narrowing of arteries in the extremities

Early management of LDL can prevent these complications.

How to Lower LDL Cholesterol? 

You don’t always need a pill to improve your LDL cholesterol. There are several steps you can take to lower your LDL cholesterol. Start with little things, like maintaining a lifestyle routine. Here is what you can do to lower cholesterol levels-

• Eat heart-healthy foods: Consume fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
• Avoid tobacco and smoking: Quitting smoking and alcohol can improve HDL levels and cardiovascular health.
• Engage in physical activity: Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes daily. You can engage in cardio exercises such as walking, biking, and swimming.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Even a 5-10% reduction in body weight can lead to improved cholesterol levels.
• Don't stress: Excessive stress may hurt your cholesterol levels and overall health.
• Avoid self-medication- Always consult your doctor before taking any medications. 

You should consult your doctor if lifestyle changes do not work for you. Based on your symptoms, health conditions, and LDL levels, your doctor may prescribe some medications to lower your LDL levels. However, you should work on making lifestyle changes while taking the medicines.

Read more: 8 Tips to Control Cholesterol: Expert Advice for a Healthier Heart.

LDL Cholesterol Foods

What you eat directly influences your body and your cholesterol levels as well. Here are foods to avoid and include to help manage your cholesterol levels.

Foods That Help Lower LDL:

• Oats and barley 
• Beans and legumes
• Walnuts and almonds
• Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel)
• Olive oil
• Avocados
• Fruits like apples, grapes, and strawberries 

Foods That Raise LDL:

• Red meat (beef, pork, lamb)
• Sweets and cakes
• Cream, butter, and other full-fat dairy products
• Fried foods
• Processed snacks (e.g., chips, cookies, pastries)
• Coconut oil and palm oil (high in saturated fat)

Also Read: High Cholesterol: Healthy Fruits to Lower Bad Cholesterol Levels

The Key Takeaways

Cholesterol, especially LDL, is a major contributor to heart-related issues. Fortunately, you can lower your LDL levels with healthy lifestyle habits, including a balanced diet, regular health check-ups, daily exercise, and abstaining from smoking and excessive drinking. If you are concerned about your high LDL cholesterol levels, consult your doctor.

FAQs

1. How much LDL cholesterol is ok?

The normal range of LDL cholesterol is less than 100 mg/dL.

2. What’s a normal LDL cholesterol level? 

Ideally, it is less than 100 mg/dL. If you have heart disease, strive for less than 70 mg/dL.

3. Are cholesterol-lowering drugs safe? 

Statins and other drugs can be safely used as long as they are prescribed and followed up on by a healthcare provider.

4. How frequently should my cholesterol be checked? 

If you're healthy and have no risk factors, you can check your cholesterol level every 1 to 2 years. 

5. What food causes high LDL?

Avoid foods high in saturated and trans fats. These may include fatty cuts of red meat, full-fat dairy products like butter and cheese, and processed foods often containing trans fats. 

6. What are some home remedies for high LDL cholesterol levels?

Follow a healthy diet, do some exercise and yoga, lose some weight, and avoid smoking and alcohol to reduce your high LDL levels.