Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol makes up most of the cholesterol in a person’s body. When there is too much LDL cholesterol, it can build up in the walls of blood vessels, creating plaque.
Because LDL cholesterol
This article will discuss LDL cholesterol, including possible causes, factors that may increase levels, symptoms of high cholesterol, risks and possible complications, and treatment.
There are many
Genes
High levels of LDL cholesterol may run in families. If there is a change in a gene relating to cholesterol, a person may develop familial hypercholesterolemia. When someone has this condition, their body struggles to remove LDL cholesterol.
The condition may affect 1 in 250 people worldwide, with 90% being undiagnosed, according to the Familial Hypercholesterolemia Foundation.
Learn more about familial hypercholesterolemia here.
Diet
If a person’s diet is high in trans fat or saturated fat, they may be at risk of elevating their LDL cholesterol. Foods high in saturated fat include fatty cuts of meat and rich dairy products.
The Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that
Learn more about saturated and unsaturated fats here.
Medications
Some medications may increase LDL cholesterol or decrease HDL cholesterol. These include:
Lifestyle habits
Day-to-day habits
- Lack of physical activity: Doctors associate low activity levels with lower HDL cholesterol.
- Smoking: Smoking may raise LDL cholesterol while lowering HDL cholesterol.
- Stress: When a person feels stressed, they produce certain hormones that may cause their body to make more cholesterol.
- Drinking too much alcohol: Binge drinking may raise cholesterol.
Health conditions
Some health conditions
High LDL cholesterol does not necessarily present with symptoms, but a person with high LDL cholesterol levels may be at
When a doctor measures someone’s cholesterol, they will check to see if LDL levels are high and HDL levels are low. They will also look at the total amount of cholesterol in the body. The table below shows
| Type of cholesterol | Healthy levels |
|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | Below 200 mg/dL |
| LDL cholesterol | Below 100 mg/dL |
| HDL cholesterol | Above 60 mg/dL |
| Triglycerides | Less than 150 mg/dL |
Most adults should check their cholesterol every
According to the
Making healthy food choices
A person can prevent their LDL cholesterol from getting too high by eating foods low in saturated fat and avoiding tropical oils, such as palm oil, when cooking. They can also choose high-fiber foods to increase HDL cholesterol while lowering LDL cholesterol.
Learn more about high-fiber foods here.
Taking time to stay active
If a person is not at a moderate weight or has obesity, they may have an increased risk of high LDL cholesterol. If a person is not very active and has a high body mass index (BMI), they may need to increase their activity levels.
Adults should aim to complete
Learn more about the physical and mental benefits of exercise here.
Stopping smoking
Smoking has numerous detrimental effects on the body. However, its effect on the cardiovascular system may increase the risk of heart disease in a person who already has high LDL cholesterol.
Learn more about the health effects of smoking here.
Reducing alcohol consumption
When a person drinks alcohol, their cholesterol and triglyceride levels increase. Males should not consume more than two drinks per day. Females should limit themselves to one drink per day.
Treatment for high LDL cholesterol may differ depending on a person’s individual cholesterol levels.
- Statins: This medicine slows the production of cholesterol in the liver. It also helps the liver break down cholesterol.
- Bile acid sequestrants: This medicine removes bile acids, which prompts the body to make bile acids from LDL cholesterol.
- Niacin: This B vitamin raises HDL cholesterol while lowering LDL cholesterol.
- Fibrates: This medicine lowers triglycerides.
- PCSK9 inhibitors: People who receive this medicine have familial hypercholesterolemia.
Conditions that high LDL cholesterol may contribute to
Several
Family history
Shared genes, together with environment and lifestyle, may influence a person’s risk of increased LDL cholesterol levels, along with other conditions such as heart disease.
Age and gender
As people get older, cholesterol naturally builds up as the body is no longer as efficient at clearing it. In general, males have lower levels of HDL cholesterol, and females have lower levels of LDL cholesterol until they reach menopause or are about age 55.
Health conditions
Health factors that could increase LDL cholesterol include:
- previous high LDL cholesterol
- type 2 diabetes
- obesity
- familial hypercholesterolemia
Behaviors
Certain behaviors may also increase the risk of developing high LDL cholesterol, such as not being active or eating foods high in saturated and trans fats.
If a person is concerned their LDL cholesterol may be too high, they should speak with their doctor.
If a person’s LDL cholesterol is too high, they may develop atherosclerotic plaque in their blood vessels, which over time can cause cardiovascular disease. People sometimes refer to LDL cholesterol as “bad cholesterol” and HDL cholesterol as “good cholesterol.” HDL cholesterol transports cholesterol to the liver, where it breaks down.
People can reduce their LDL cholesterol with exercise and eating foods low in saturated and trans fats. Foods rich in fiber can also help increase HDL cholesterol. Sometimes people inherit a gene that causes high LDL cholesterol, so it is important they avoid fatty foods and remain active.
High levels of LDL cholesterol could lead to conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and angina. If someone is concerned about their cholesterol levels, they should get in touch with their doctor.