LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein, a type of cholesterol found in your body. LDL is often referred to as bad cholesterol. This is because too much LDL results in a build-up of cholesterol in your arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
If you have high levels of good cholesterol, called high-density lipoprotein (HDL), it may decrease your risk of developing heart disease. HDL helps transport LDL cholesterol to your liver to be broken down and thus helps avoid damage to your heart.
Your doctor may order an LDL test as part of a routine exam to determine your risk for heart disease and decide if any treatment is necessary.
When to Be Tested?
If you have risk factors for developing heart disease, you may need to be tested more often. You are more likely to be at risk for heart disease if you:
have a family history of heart disease
smoke cigarettes
are obese, meaning you have a body mass index (BMI) that is 30 or
higher
have low HDL (good cholesterol) levels
have hypertension (or high blood pressure) or are receiving treatment
for hypertension
have diabetes
Your doctor may also order an LDL test if you are already being treated for high cholesterol. In this case, the test is used to determine if lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, or medications are lowering your cholesterol successfully. Children normally don’t need to be tested for LDL levels. However, children who are at greater risk — such as those who are obese or who have diabetes or hypertension — should have their first LDL testing done between the ages of 2 and 10.
Why Is an LDL Test Necessary?
High cholesterol does not generally cause any symptoms, so it is necessary to check for it routinely. High cholesterol raises your chances of having certain medical conditions, some of which are life-threatening. High cholesterol raises your risk of:
coronary heart disease
atherosclerosis, which is a build-up of plaque in your arteries
angina, or chest pain
heart attack
stroke
carotid artery disease
peripheral arterial disease
Preparing for the Test?
You should not eat or drink for 10 hours before the test since food and drinks can temporarily change the levels of cholesterol in your blood. However, it is okay to have water. You may wish to schedule your test for first thing in the morning so you don’t need to fast during the day. Make sure to tell your doctor if you’re taking any over-the-counter drugs, prescription medications, or herbal supplements. Certain medications can affect your LDL levels, and your doctor may ask you to stop taking medications or change your dose before your test.
What Happens During the Test?
An LDL test only requires a simple blood sample. This may also be called a venipuncture, or blood draw. The healthcare provider will begin by cleaning the area where the blood will be drawn with antiseptic. Blood is usually taken from a vein at your elbow or on the back of your hand. Next, the healthcare provider will tie an elastic band around your upper arm. This causes blood to pool in the vein. A sterile needle will then be inserted into your vein, and blood will be drawn into a tube. You may feel mild to moderate pain that is similar to a pricking or burning sensation. You can usually reduce this pain by relaxing your arm while your blood is being drawn. The healthcare provider will remove the elastic band while the blood is being drawn.
When they are done drawing blood, a bandage will be applied to the wound. You should apply pressure to the wound for several minutes to help stop the bleeding and prevent bruising. Your blood will be sent to a medical lab to be tested for LDL levels. At SOUTH PUNJAB LAB this test is done by ROCHE ROUTINE CHEMISTRY.
What is a normal LDL level?
Ideally, LDL cholesterol levels should be less than 100 mg/dl. Doctors may not express concern about levels of 100–129 mg/dl for people with no health issues, but they may suggest treatment at this stage for people with heart disease or its risk factors.
