LDL Cholesterol

Bad cholesterol level

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is often called 'bad' cholesterol. When there is too much of it in the blood, it can build up in the walls of the arteries and narrow them, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke. LDL is the main cholesterol value doctors use to judge heart risk and to decide on and monitor treatment.

• As part of a heart and stroke risk check
• For people with diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease or a family history of early heart disease
• To check the effect of cholesterol-lowering medicines or lifestyle changes
• When a relative is known to have very high cholesterol from birth (familial hypercholesterolaemia)

Fasting is needed for this test: have nothing to eat or drink except plain water beforehand, and the fasting time is shown on this page. An overnight fast with a morning sample is usually easiest. Avoid alcohol and heavy, fatty food the evening before, and keep taking your regular medicines unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Sample

Blood sample

How it works

Because fasting is needed, it helps to book an early morning slot so the collector can take the sample soon after you wake up. The collector draws a small blood sample from a vein in your arm, and you can eat as soon as it is done.

Report

Within 24 hours of collection.

Your report shows LDL next to the laboratory's range, and some reports also show targets. A high LDL raises the risk of heart attack and stroke over time, and the right target for you depends on your age, blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and other risks. LDL is often calculated from the other lipid results, so a very high triglyceride level can make it less accurate. Your doctor will interpret the result and explain what it means for you.

One test: LDL Cholesterol, from one blood sample.