LDL

Alternative names:

low density lipoprotein

Normal values:

60 to 180 mg/dl

Note: mg/dl = milligrams per deciliter

What abnormal results mean:

Greater-than-normal levels of LDL may be associated with:

• increased risk of atherosclerotic heart disease
• familial hyperlipoproteinemia

Lower-than-normal levels of LDL may be caused by:

• malabsorption (inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract)
• malnutrition

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• familial combined hyperlipidemia
• familial dysbetalipoproteinemia
• familial hypertriglyceridemia