LDL (low-density lipoprotein), also known as “bad” cholesterol, makes up most of the body’s cholesterol. High LDL cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
When the body has too much LDL cholesterol, it can build up on the endothelium of the blood vessels. This is called “plaque.” As the blood vessels build up plaque over time, the insides of the vessels narrow. This may cause the blocking of the blood flow to and from the heart and other organs. The consequence can be chest pain or a heart attack.
Thus, a cholesterol test can help the physician to determine the risk of plaques in a patient’s arteries. A family history of high cholesterol can also increase the risk of high LDL cholesterol.
Less than 100 mg/dL is the recommended LDL cholesterol level.
This is a single-marker test measuring LDL cholesterol.
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