ScanHealth
Lipid Profile

What is LDL Cholesterol? Your Complete Guide

LDL is the 'bad' cholesterol — it deposits cholesterol in your artery walls, forming plaques that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Lower is generally better.

💡Simply Explained

LDL is called "bad" cholesterol because it drops off cholesterol in your artery walls, like someone dumping garbage on the street. Over time, this buildup narrows your arteries and can cause heart attacks.

📏Normal Range

0 – 100mg/dL

Typical reference range. Your lab may use slightly different values.

LowNormalHigh
< 0 mg/dL0 – 100 mg/dL> 100 mg/dL

⬆️What High LDL Cholesterol Means

Possible Causes

  • Diet high in saturated and trans fats
  • Genetics
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Sedentary lifestyle

Foods That Can Help

  • Oats, barley, and whole grains
  • Walnuts, almonds, and pistachios
  • Flaxseeds and chia seeds
  • Fruits: apples, grapes, citrus
  • Soy products: tofu, soy milk

⬇️What Low LDL Cholesterol Means

Possible Causes

  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Malnutrition
  • Liver disease
  • Statin medication (intentional)

Foods That Can Help

  • Generally not a concern — low LDL is protective

🏃Lifestyle Actions

If Your LDL Cholesterol Is High

  • Cut trans fats: avoid vanaspati, margarine, and packaged snacks
  • Increase soluble fiber (oats, dals, fruits)
  • Exercise at least 150 minutes per week
  • Maintain healthy weight
  • If very high (>190), medication is usually needed regardless of diet

If Your LDL Cholesterol Is Low

  • No action needed — low LDL is healthy

🩺When to See a Doctor

High LDL Cholesterol

LDL above 190 is high-risk and usually needs medication. If you already have heart disease or diabetes, target is below 70 — discuss with your doctor promptly.

Low LDL Cholesterol

Very low LDL (below 40) is uncommon and may warrant investigation, but is generally not harmful.

🎯Did You Know?

South Asians are genetically predisposed to having smaller, denser LDL particles — the most dangerous kind. This is one reason Indians have higher heart disease rates even with "borderline" cholesterol numbers.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

What is LDL Cholesterol?

LDL is called "bad" cholesterol because it drops off cholesterol in your artery walls, like someone dumping garbage on the street. Over time, this buildup narrows your arteries and can cause heart attacks.

What is the normal range for LDL Cholesterol?

The typical normal range for LDL Cholesterol is 0–100 mg/dL.

What causes high LDL Cholesterol?

Diet high in saturated and trans fats. Genetics. Obesity.

What causes low LDL Cholesterol?

Hyperthyroidism. Malnutrition. Liver disease.

How can I check my LDL Cholesterol levels?

You can check your LDL Cholesterol levels with a routine blood test. Upload your lab report to ScanHealth for an instant, plain-language explanation.

Check Your LDL Cholesterol Results Instantly

Upload your blood test report and get a plain-language explanation of your LDL Cholesterol result — plus all other markers. Free.

Upload Your Report

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Reference ranges may vary by lab. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.