LDL Calculated (Low-Density Lipoprotein)

Calculated value - Lipid

Type:

LDL, often referred to as "bad cholesterol," is a vital blood fat that plays a role in building cell membranes and producing hormones. However, excess LDL can accumulate in the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis.

Primary Function:

Normal Values:

<3.0 mmol/L

Pathological Values:

3.4 mmol/L (high risk of cardiovascular disease)

High LDL levels increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. Symptoms of high LDL can include chest pain (angina) due to atherosclerosis.

Symptoms/Pathology in Deficiency:

Meat, dairy products

Tips to lower LDL Cholesterol

  1. Adopt a Diet Rich in Soluble Fiber:

    Consume foods high in soluble fiber, such as oats, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and chia seeds. Soluble fiber helps reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream.

  2. Choose Healthy Fats:

    Replace saturated fats (found in fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and palm and coconut oils) with unsaturated fats (found in olive, canola, and avocado oils, as well as nuts, seeds, and fatty fish).

  3. Consume Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

    Increase your intake of omega-3-rich fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines. Omega-3s help lower LDL cholesterol levels and raise HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol).

  4. Avoid Trans Fats:

    Eliminate trans fats from your diet by avoiding fried foods, industrial pastries, and products containing partially hydrogenated oils.

  5. Lose Weight:

    Losing even a moderate amount of weight can help lower LDL cholesterol levels.

  6. Exercise Regularly:

    Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, running, cycling, or swimming, for at least 30 minutes a day to help raise HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol.

  7. Limit Alcohol Consumption:

    Reducing alcohol intake can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Low levels of LDL are typically not harmful but extremely low levels may be associated with a higher risk of certain diseases like cancer or hemorrhagic stroke.

Symptoms/Pathology in Increase:

Dietary Sources:

LDL Cholesterol = BAD Cholesterol