What is LDL?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a type of cholesterol particle that carries cholesterol from the liver into the bloodstream and out to your tissues.
Cholesterol itself is essential for hormone production, nerve function, and building healthy cell membranes. Problems arise when LDL cholesterol levels are too high. Excess LDL can enter the lining of artery walls, where it becomes trapped and triggers an inflammatory immune response. Over time, this process leads to the formation of plaque, a condition known as atherosclerosis. As plaque builds up, arteries narrow and blood flow becomes restricted, increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Why Does LDL Matter?
- Transports cholesterol throughout the body where it supports cell membrane structure and repair
- Fuels hormone production by supplying the raw materials your body converts into essential hormones
- Elevated levels are a key marker for cardiovascular disease risk
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How to Interpret LDL
(Ranges may vary slightly by lab)
Standard reference ranges represent the middle 95% of healthy individuals but don’t necessarily reflect levels associated with longevity. Optimal ranges are determined based on overall heart disease risk and derived from clinical guidelines, peer-reviewed research, and real-world outcomes data, with an emphasis on levels associated with peak functioning.
Benefits of Optimizing LDL
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Significantly reduced risk of heart attacks, stroke, and death
- Lower risk for all-cause mortality1
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Low LDL Levels
Low LDL levels are usually not concerning and are often associated with lower cardiovascular risk. Extremely low levels may occasionally occur with certain genetic conditions or chronic illness.
High LDL Levels
Symptoms:
- Usually no symptoms until cardiovascular disease develops
Causes:
- Smoking
- Obesity
- High alcohol consumption
- High consumption of saturated and trans fats
- Aging
- Diabetes or insulin resistance
- Hypothyroidism
- Kidney disease
- Genetic lipid disorders
Healthspan Impacts:
- Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease
- Higher risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality2
How Hone Treats Out of Range LDL
Hone takes a proactive approach to heart health by identifying cardiovascular risk early through comprehensive biomarker testing. LDL cholesterol is evaluated alongside ApoB, triglycerides, HDL, inflammatory markers, and metabolic health indicators to understand the burden of atherogenic particles and assess overall cardiovascular risk. Treatment focuses on lowering atherogenic particles, improving metabolic health, and reducing long-term cardiovascular risk.
- Statins (e.g. Rosuvastatin)* – to lower LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular disease risk
- Cholesterol absorption inhibitors (e.g. Ezetimibe)* – to reduce total and LDL cholesterol
- Estradiol — to lower LDL cholesterol in women experiencing symptoms of menopause
- PCSK9 inhibition* – to significantly lower LDL cholesterol
*Your Hone Physician does not prescribe these treatments but will recommend further evaluation and help coordinate care with your primary care provider when medical treatment is indicated.
- Reduce saturated fat intake (red meat, full-fat dairy) and avoid trans fats
- Adopt a Mediterranean diet
- Increase soluble fiber intake
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Engage in 150+ minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week
- Avoid smoking
- Get at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep a night5
- Manage stress
- Consider adopting a sauna practice6
Kip, K.E., et al. (2024). Is LDL cholesterol associated with long-term mortality among primary prevention adults? A retrospective cohort study from a large healthcare system. BMJ Open.
↑Rong, S., et al. (2022). Association of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels with More than 20-Year Risk of Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality in the General Population. Journal of the American Heart Association.
↑Jovanovski, E., et al. (2018). Effect of psyllium (Plantago ovata) fiber on LDL cholesterol and alternative lipid targets, non-HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
↑Cicero, A.F., Fogacci, F., & Banach, M. (2019). Red Yeast Rice for Hypercholesterolemia. Methodist DeBakey Cardiovascular Journal.
↑Kaneita, Y., et al. (2008). Associations of Usual Sleep Duration with Serum Lipid and Lipoprotein Levels. Sleep.
↑Pilch, W., et al. (2010). Changes in the lipid profile of blood serum in women taking sauna baths of various duration. International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health.
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Reviewed for Accuracy by Our Medical Review Board
This biomarker information has been reviewed by a member of Hone’s medical review board. As part of the medical review team, physicians fact-check this content against the latest research and their own experience treating their patients.
Ashley Winter, M.D., is a board-certified urogynecologist trained at Weill Cornell and Cleveland Clinic. She specializes in female and male sexual dysfunction, urinary issues, genital pain, and hormone therapy.
James Staheli, D.O., is the Medical Director for Broad Health, Hone Health’s affiliated medical practice and a family medicine doctor in Atlanta, Georgia.
