LDL Cholesterol (LDL-C)
Routine annualalso "bad" cholesterol, calculated ldl
What it isLDL-C measures the cholesterol cargo carried inside low-density lipoprotein particles. Most labs calculate it from total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides; some measure it directly.
DoesLDL particles transport cholesterol from the liver to peripheral tissues. The particles themselves — not the cholesterol they carry — drive atherosclerosis by depositing in arterial walls.
GoodLow LDL-C reduces the substrate available to deposit in vessel walls and is associated with longevity-grade cardiovascular health.
BadElevated LDL-C drives atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. The causal relationship is dose- and time-dependent: lower for longer is better.
- Standard
- <100 mg/dL optimal; 100–129 near optimal; 130–159 borderline.
- Optimal
- 30–60 mg/dL (lower is good)
- Modifiers
- Rises with saturated fat, weight gain, hypothyroidism; rises in early ketogenic diet phase; genetics (familial hypercholesterolemia) dominate in some.
How to optimize
- Lifestyle
- Zone 2 cardio, resistance training, weight loss; avoid trans fats entirely.
- Diet
- Cut saturated fat sources (full-fat dairy, fatty red meats, butter, coconut oil); add soluble fiber (oats, beans, psyllium 10g/day); olive oil and nuts in place of butter; soy protein.
- Supplements
- Plant sterols (2g/day), red yeast rice (with monitoring), psyllium fiber (10g/day), bergamot extract (500mg 2×/day), berberine (500mg 3×/day).
- Peptides
- —
- Drugs
- Statins (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin), ezetimibe, bempedoic acid, PCSK9 inhibitors (alirocumab, evolocumab), inclisiran.
Reference ranges are general adult lab norms; optimal ranges are editorial picks from the longevity literature — not medical advice. Always interpret results with your physician.
within Cholesterol & Lipids