lipids · LDL-C
LDL Cholesterol
LDL carries cholesterol into artery walls; higher long-term levels raise cardiovascular risk. It is one of the most modifiable longevity markers.
This page is general wellness education, not medical advice. Your own lab’s reference range and your clinician’s interpretation always take precedence.
Typical reference range
| Group | General range |
|---|---|
| Adults | Desirable < 100 mg/dL |
Optimal-band note: Many lipid specialists target <70 mg/dL for higher cardiovascular risk; discuss with a clinician.
Units: mg/dL. Ranges vary by lab and assay — read yours against the range printed on your own report.
What high LDL Cholesterol can mean
- Saturated/trans fat intake
- Genetics (familial hypercholesterolemia)
- Hypothyroidism
- Sedentary lifestyle
What low LDL Cholesterol can mean
- Statins/lipid-lowering therapy
- Malnutrition
- Hyperthyroidism
- Severe illness