LDL cholesterol
Artery-clogging fat carrier
LDL cholesterol is low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, often called "bad cholesterol" because high levels contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing risk of heart disease and stroke.
Doctors monitor LDL levels through blood tests and may recommend dietary changes or statins to lower them: His LDL cholesterol was dangerously high.
- statinsLipid-lowering pharmaceuticals
- atherosclerosisArterial plaque accumulation disease
- triglyceridesThree-chained fat molecules
- plaque buildupFatty arterial deposits
- heart attackBlocked blood to muscle
niacin · healthy lifestyle · heart disease risk · metabolic syndrome · omega-3 fatty acids · stroke · cell membrane · coronary artery disease · narrowing · phospholipids · hyperlipidemia · deposits · clogged · fatty acids · dietary fat · diet · fatty · lipids
- Blood LipidsLDL, HDL, triglycerides, lipoproteins, lipid profile
- Diabetes TestsHbA1c, A1C test, A1C, blood sugar test, fasting glucose
- stroke riskshypertension, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, smoking