LDL Cholesterol

The Numbers

LDL cholesterol is the main source of damaging buildup and blockage in the arteries. Therefore, the more you have in your blood, the greater your risk of heart disease. But how much is too much?
 
Your "healthy" LDL cholesterol number will depend on how many other heart disease risk factors you have. If you have heart disease or are at high risk for developing it, your ideal LDL cholesterol level may be below 100 mg/dL. If you have no risk factors for heart disease, your ideal LDL cholesterol level may be below 160 mg/dL.
 
(Click High Cholesterol Risk to learn what your LDL cholesterol level should be based on your heart attack risk factors.)
 

Lowering Your LDL Cholesterol

In general, the higher your LDL cholesterol level and the more risk factors you have, the greater your chances of developing heart disease or other effects of high cholesterol. Treatment for high cholesterol (also known as hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia) focuses on lowering your LDL level enough to reduce your chances of developing these conditions. There are two main ways to lower your LDL cholesterol:
 
(Click Lowering Cholesterol for more information on ways to lower LDL cholesterol.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
 
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