What is LDL Cholesterol?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. This is because high levels of LDL cholesterol in your blood can build up in your arteries, narrowing them and making it harder for blood to flow through them. This can lead to a number of serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
LDL Cholesterol Normal Range for Adults
The optimal LDL cholesterol levels for adults, as recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA), are:
| Risk Category | LDL Cholesterol Levels (mmol/L) |
|---|---|
| Optimal | Less than 2.6 |
| Near Optimal/Above Optimal | 2.6-3.4 |
| Borderline High | 3.5-4.1 |
| High | 4.2-4.9 |
| Very High | 5.0 or higher |
LDL Cholesterol Normal Range for Children and Adolescents
The optimal LDL cholesterol levels for children and adolescents, as recommended by the AHA, are:
| Age Group | LDL Cholesterol Levels (mmol/L) |
|---|---|
| 9-11 years | Less than 3.36 |
| 12-17 years | Less than 3.86 |
How is LDL Cholesterol Measured?
LDL cholesterol is measured through a simple blood test called a lipid panel. This test measures your total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol), and triglycerides.
Factors that Affect LDL Cholesterol Levels
A number of factors can affect your LDL cholesterol levels, including:
- Diet
- Exercise
- Weight
- Smoking
- Age
- Family history
Lowering LDL Cholesterol Levels
There are a number of things you can do to lower your LDL cholesterol levels, including:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting regular exercise
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Quitting smoking
- Taking medication
Why LDL Cholesterol Matters
High LDL cholesterol levels can lead to a number of serious health problems, including:
- Heart disease: LDL cholesterol can build up in your arteries, narrowing them and making it harder for blood to flow through them. This can lead to a heart attack.
- Stroke: LDL cholesterol can build up in the arteries that supply blood to your brain, causing a stroke.
- Peripheral artery disease: LDL cholesterol can build up in the arteries that supply blood to your legs, causing pain and numbness.
How to Lower LDL Cholesterol Levels Step-by-Step
If you have high LDL cholesterol levels, there are a number of things you can do to lower them, including:
- Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It also limits unhealthy fats, such as saturated and trans fats, and cholesterol.
- Get regular exercise. Exercise helps to lower LDL cholesterol levels and raise HDL cholesterol levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can raise your LDL cholesterol levels. If you need to lose weight, talk to your doctor about a healthy weight loss plan.
- Quit smoking. Smoking damages the arteries and raises LDL cholesterol levels. If you smoke, quit as soon as possible.
- Take medication. If you have high LDL cholesterol levels that are not controlled by diet and exercise, your doctor may prescribe medication to lower your LDL cholesterol levels.
Benefits of Lowering LDL Cholesterol Levels
Lowering your LDL cholesterol levels can help to reduce your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. It can also help to improve your overall health and well-being.
Conclusion
LDL cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. However, there are a number of things you can do to lower your LDL cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of developing these serious health problems. Talk to your doctor about your LDL cholesterol levels and ask about ways to lower them.
