LDL Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol is the cholesterol carried by low-density lipoproteins, the particles that bring cholesterol out to the body’s cells.
LDL cholesterol is the cholesterol carried by low-density lipoproteins, the particles that bring cholesterol out to the body’s cells. Cells use cholesterol to build cell walls and to make hormones and vitamin D. LDL is one of the main lipid values used to describe the balance of fats in the blood and how it relates to heart and blood vessel health. Retesting shows how it changes over time.
The type of fat in the diet matters most day to day: saturated and trans fats tend to raise LDL, while unsaturated fats and fibre tend to lower it. Physical activity, body weight, smoking and genes also play a part. Some medicines, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, change the value.
Foods that help
Foods with fibre and unsaturated fats: oats, barley, beans, lentils, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, olive oil, rapeseed oil and fatty fish.
Foods to limit
Butter, fatty meat, processed meat, full-fat cheese, pastries and deep-fried food are high in saturated or trans fats. Keeping these to a moderate share of the diet tends to show in the LDL value.
Track it through the year
One value is a snapshot. Following it up shows whether what you changed is working.
Related markers
Educational information only — not a diagnosis. Every result is checked against safe limits, and anything critical is escalated for follow-up.
See all 84 markers →