Lever
Lifestyle
- Regular aerobic exercise
- Weight management
- Smoking cessation
Blutwerte · Marker
LDL-Cholesterin
Low-Density Lipoprotein · LDL-C · LDL
Lipide & Herz-KreislaufNüchtern erforderlich
- Einheit:
- mmol/L
- Abbreviation
- LDL-C
LDL-C quantifies the amount of cholesterol carried by low-density lipoproteins in the blood.
Reference Ranges
Reference
1.8–3.4mmol/L
1.8
2.6
3.4
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Optimal
Unit · mmol/LFasting is required; ranges may vary based on age and sex.
Overview
Übersicht
Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) is a type of cholesterol carried in the blood by low-density lipoproteins. It is often referred to as 'bad cholesterol' because high levels can lead to the buildup of cholesterol in arteries, increasing the risk for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. LDL-C is a crucial biomarker in lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health, reflecting the balance between cholesterol production and clearance in the body. Clinically, elevated LDL-C levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Researchers have found that LDL-C, along with other biomarkers like lipoprotein(a) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, independently predicts cardiovascular risks. For athletes and biohackers, maintaining optimal LDL-C levels is important for cardiovascular efficiency and overall health. While some may focus on lowering LDL-C for longevity, it's essential to balance it with other lipid components for metabolic health. However, LDL-C levels can be influenced by factors such as diet, genetics, and medication use. Fasting is typically required for accurate measurement, and levels can vary based on time of day and recent physical activity. Researchers observed that LDL-C can be confounded by lipoprotein(a) cholesterol content, requiring corrected measurements for precise assessment.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated LDL-C levels indicate a higher risk for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Reduced levels are generally favorable but should be balanced with other lipid markers.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Progressively rising LDL-C suggests increased cardiovascular risk; re-test in 4-6 weeks if changes are unexpected.
Falling Values
Falling LDL-C levels may indicate improved lipid management or dietary changes.
Re-test Interval
4 weeks if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- High saturated fat intake
- Genetic predisposition
- Hypothyroidism
- Chronic kidney disease
- Obesity
Cause
Low Levels
- Hyperthyroidism
- Malabsorption syndromes
- Chronic infections
- Liver disease
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Increase dietary fiber
- Consume healthy fats (e.g., omega-3)
- Limit saturated fats
Lever
Supplementation
- Plant sterols
- Soluble fiber supplements
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider before making significant dietary or lifestyle changes.
Testing Guidelines
🍽️Fasting Required
✓Not Time-Sensitive
Testing Frequency
Annually for adults over 20, more frequently if at risk.
Interfering Factors
- Recent intense exercise
- Acute illness
- Pregnancy
Related Peptides & Hormones
Insulin
hormoneCorrelated with
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that the optimal target levels for LDL-C in relation to cardiovascular risk, particularly in patients with elevated lipoprotein(a), remain debated. Researchers have not yet established definitive reference ranges that account for confounding factors such as inflammation and other lipid components. Additionally, clinical questions regarding the long-term effects of LDL-C modulation on post-stroke cognitive impairment and the interplay between LDL-C and emerging biomarkers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein remain unanswered.
41 Research Publications
1,150
Total Citations
17
Human/RCT
4.7
Avg. Influence
2025
Latest
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Filter
01Top
#01
The Triglyceride/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) Ratio as a Risk Marker for Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Disease.
ReviewInfluence14.0
313
Researchers reviewed the association between the triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio and cardiovascular disease (CVD). They found that this ratio could serve as a novel biomarker for predicting the risk of metabolic syndrome and CVD. The study highlights the significance of lipid metabolism in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular health.
02Top
#02
Apolipoprotein B and Cardiovascular Disease: Biomarker and Potential Therapeutic Target.
ReviewInfluence12.0
225
This review examined the significance of apolipoprotein B (apoB) as a biomarker for cardiovascular disease. Researchers found that apoB levels provide a more accurate measure of atherogenic lipoproteins compared to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The review discusses the ongoing debate regarding the use of apoB in clinical guidelines for cardiovascular risk assessment.
03Top
#03
Potential Biomarkers for Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Meta-AnalysisInfluence6.0
121
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated various blood biomarkers related to post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). Researchers found that levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), homocysteine, and C-reactive protein were significantly higher in patients with PSCI compared to those without. The study suggests these biomarkers may serve as potential indicators for PSCI.
04
#04
New Horizons. A New Paradigm for Treating to Target with Second-Generation Obesity Medications.
HumanInfluence8.0
100
This review discusses the role of second-generation obesity medications in managing obesity as a chronic disease. Researchers found that these medications can achieve significant weight loss, which is crucial for preventing complications associated with obesity. The study emphasizes the importance of treating obesity to specific biomarker targets, including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).
05
06
#06
Circulating microRNA-23b as a new biomarker for rheumatoid arthritis.
HumanInfluence3.0
42
Researchers evaluated the expression of microRNA-23b as a potential biomarker for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They found that miR-23b levels were significantly higher in RA patients compared to healthy controls and correlated with various inflammatory markers. The study suggests that miR-23b may reflect disease activity in RA.
07
#07
High Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels are Associated with Osteoporosis Among Adults 20-59 Years of Age.
HumanInfluence1.0
36
This study investigated the relationship between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and bone mineral density (BMD) in adults aged 20 to 59. Researchers found a negative association between LDL-C and lumbar BMD, indicating that higher LDL-C levels may be linked to lower bone density. The study suggests that LDL-C could serve as a biomarker for early osteoporosis detection.
08
#08
Hypothyroidism, lipids, and lipidomics.
ReviewInfluence2.0
35
This narrative review examined the relationship between hypothyroidism and lipid abnormalities, particularly low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Researchers found that elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are associated with increased LDL-C levels. The study suggests that treating hypothyroidism may reverse lipid abnormalities and improve cardiovascular health.
09
#09
Effect of Pelacarsen on Lipoprotein(a) Cholesterol and Corrected Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol.
Human
31
This study examined the effects of pelacarsen on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and lipoprotein(a) cholesterol (Lp(a)-C) in patients with cardiovascular disease. Researchers found that pelacarsen significantly lowered Lp(a)-C levels and had a mild effect on LDL-C corrected for Lp(a)-C content. The study suggests that LDL-C corrected for Lp(a) provides a more accurate reflection of LDL-C changes in these patients.
10
#10
Biomarker variability and cardiovascular disease residual risk.
ReviewInfluence3.0
21
This review focused on the variability of biomarkers like low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and its association with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Researchers observed that intraindividual variability in these biomarkers correlates with CVD outcomes, independent of mean levels. The findings suggest that biomarker variability contributes to residual CVD risk.
Publication Trend
Research publications about LDL-Cholesterin over time
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