Have high LDL cholesterol? Learn what that means
15.MAR.2024
Written by Anna Sanniti Medically reviewed by Dr. Zara Fullerton
You may have now received the results from your cholesterol test and may have seen that your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is higher than it should be. You may be wondering: “What does this mean for my health, and what should I do about it?”
In this article, we will help you to answer the following questions:
What is the impact of LDL cholesterol?
What other factors can impact the risk for cardiovascular disease?
What is the impact of LDL cholesterol on your heart health?
You may know LDL cholesterol as “bad cholesterol”, as having too much is known to contribute to the buildup of fatty deposits called plaques within the walls of your blood vessels. Plaques can cause hardening and narrowing of the arteries that fully or partially block the flow of blood, in a process called “atherosclerosis”. ¹ You should share your lab report with your healthcare provider and discuss your results with your healthcare provider to understand your unique risk and what steps you can take to manage your LDL cholesterol levels.
What other factors can impact the risk for cardiovascular disease?
Your LDL cholesterol levels are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to understanding your risk of cardiovascular disease. Some of the other risk factors that your healthcare provider may consider include:
High blood pressure: High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke because it damages the lining of the arteries, making them more susceptible to the buildup of plaque, which narrows the arteries leading to the heart and brain. ²
Diabetes: If you have uncontrolled diabetes, high blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control your blood vessels and heart.
Smoking and secondhand smoke exposure: Smoking is a major cause of heart disease and stroke and causes 1 in every 4 deaths from these conditions. ²
Diet: A healthy diet can reduce the risk of heart disease and includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean proteins and limits saturated and trans fat, added sugars, and sodium. ²
Physical inactivity: Physical inactivity can lead to heart disease—even for people who have no other risk factors. It can also increase the chance of other risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. ²
Depending on your risk factors, your healthcare provider may suggest that you make changes to your diet and lifestyle or may prescribe some cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins or PCSK9 inhibitors. ³
Let’s recap
High LDL cholesterol may increase your cardiac risk due to an increased chance of plaque deposits forming within the walls of your blood vessels.
You should discuss your LDL levels and other cardiac risk factors with your healthcare provider.
Please note that the following is for educational use only and is not a substitute for medical advice. This content cannot diagnose or provide information about treatment. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or need specific medical advice relating to any symptoms, conditions, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not delay seeking medical advice and do not disregard professional medical advice based on this content. Your healthcare provider can provide the most suitable guidance based on your situation.