LDL (low-density lipoprotein) in Dehradun

What is a LDL (low-density lipoprotein)?

LDL, low-density lipoprotein, is the particle that carries cholesterol from the liver out to the tissues, and it is the one that causes trouble. When more LDL circulates than the body needs, particles work their way into the artery wall, become oxidised, and trigger an inflammatory response that builds a plaque. Over years that plaque narrows the vessel; if its surface tears, a clot forms and the artery blocks, which is what a heart attack or most strokes actually are. This mechanism is why LDL is not merely associated with heart disease but is accepted as causal, and why lowering it is the central target of prevention. The lower an individual's LDL needs to go depends on their overall risk rather than on a single universal number: someone who has already had a heart attack, or who has diabetes alongside other risk factors, is given a much stricter target than a healthy adult. In most laboratory reports LDL is calculated from total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides rather than measured directly, which is why fasting matters and why a very high triglyceride level can make the calculation unreliable.

Why take this test?

LDL is the number that matters most in a heart-risk assessment, and it should be checked as a baseline in every adult from around the age of 30, earlier where there is a family history of early heart disease, particularly a parent or sibling affected before 55. It is indicated with diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, chronic kidney disease, hypothyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome, all of which push it upwards. South Asians develop coronary artery disease around a decade earlier than European populations and at lower body weights, so a slim frame and a vegetarian diet are not reasons to skip it. Beyond screening, LDL is the number tracked to judge whether a statin or other lipid-lowering treatment is achieving its target, and whether a change in diet, weight or activity has worked. High LDL produces no symptoms at any stage until the artery it has narrowed causes an event.

• A baseline heart-risk check from around age 30
• Heart disease in a parent or sibling before the age of 55
• Diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity or smoking
• Chronic kidney disease, hypothyroidism or PCOS
• Monitoring a statin or other lipid-lowering treatment
• Reassessing after a change in diet, weight or activity

Normal reference ranges

Ranges are indicative for adults. Your report carries the lab-specific reference range and is reviewed by a LabONE pathologist; always interpret results with your doctor.

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