LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol (Lipid Profile)

1.      LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol

Introduction

LDL levels are directly related to risk fill CAD

 

Indication

Assess risk and decide treatment for CAD

 

Normal Levels

 

      No coronary heart disease (CHD) and < 2 risk factors < 160mg/dL

 

No CHD but > 2 risk factors < 130mg/dL

 

Presence of CHD < 100mg/dL

Increased in

Familial hypercholesterolemia and combined hyperlipidemia; diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypothyroidism; chronic renal failure; diet high in cholesterol and total and saturated fat;

Pregnancy; cholesteryl ester storage disease; drug use (e.g. anabolic, steroids, beta – blockers, progestins, carbamazepine).

Decreased in

Severe illness; abetalipoproteinemia; some laboratories also various ratios; total cholestero/HDL ratio – low risk: 3.3 – 4.4, average risk: 4.4 – 7.1, moderate risk: 7.1 – 11.0, high risk > 11.0.