The LDL Cholesterol test measures the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the blood. LDL is often referred to as ‘bad cholesterol’ because elevated levels contribute to the buildup of fatty plaques in the walls of arteries (atherosclerosis), which can lead to coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke.
This test is an essential component of a lipid panel and is used to assess cardiovascular risk, guide treatment decisions for patients with high cholesterol, and monitor the effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering therapies such as statins. LDL levels are typically calculated using the Friedewald equation from total cholesterol, HDL, and triglyceride values, or may be directly measured. It is commonly ordered during routine health screenings and for patients with a family history of heart disease.
