Insight into your LDL cholesterol.
LDL cholesterol is the cholesterol that can settle in the artery wall, which gives it a central role in the risk of cardiovascular disease. A test provides insight into your LDL level, with personal explanation from our doctors.
Also known as: LDL, bad cholesterol
Interpreted by BIG-registered doctors
How Bloodworks works
Order online
Choose your package and preferred location
Receive your lab form
Within 24 hours by email, with appointment planner
Schedule your blood draw
Or choose a walk-in location
Blood draw
Takes just a few minutes
Receive your report
Securely, within a few working days from our physicians
Background
What is LDL cholesterol?
LDL stands for low density lipoprotein, the particle that carries cholesterol from the liver to the rest of the body. When there is a surplus, these particles can penetrate the wall of the arteries and leave cholesterol behind. That process contributes to atherosclerosis, the gradual narrowing and stiffening of the vessels. This is why LDL is commonly referred to as "bad cholesterol".
LDL cholesterol is expressed in millimoles per litre (mmol/L). The laboratory either measures LDL directly or calculates the value from total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides. LDL is rarely assessed in isolation. Together with HDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol it forms the complete lipid profile, and ApoB adds insight into the number of cholesterol particles. Your doctor weighs the value within your personal risk profile, which also includes age, blood pressure, weight, smoking, and family history.
In brief
Bad cholesterol
Can settle in the artery wall
Part of the profile
Assessed alongside HDL and triglycerides
Modifiable
Through diet, exercise, and medication
Hereditary component
Partly determined by family history
Common reasons to test
When can insight into your LDL cholesterol be valuable?
Below are some situations in which measuring LDL cholesterol can provide insight.
Insight into your LDL level
A test gives a snapshot of the cholesterol that can settle in the artery wall.
With a family history
Cardiovascular disease at a young age in the family, or a known inherited cholesterol disorder, is an important reason to have LDL tested.
Tracking the effect of lifestyle changes
Those who have adjusted their diet, physical activity, or weight can see after a few months what effect this has had on their LDL level.
When taking cholesterol lowering medication
LDL is the value that cholesterol medication primarily targets. A check gives insight into the effect. Your treating doctor remains responsible for the treatment policy.
Alongside HDL and triglycerides
LDL only takes on meaning next to the other lipids. Many people therefore choose the full cholesterol profile.
As part of a preventive check
From middle age onwards, LDL is more commonly measured periodically as part of cardiovascular risk management.
What your result means
How do we read your LDL cholesterol level?
LDL cholesterol is measured in millimoles per litre (mmol/L). The laboratory supplies the reference ranges. Our doctor weighs your value within your overall risk profile, as LDL is one of several factors that together determine cardiovascular risk.
A low value
A low LDL level is generally regarded as favourable for cardiovascular risk based on lipids. It says nothing about your other risk factors, such as blood pressure, weight, smoking, and blood sugar. In a few cases a very low value can be linked to another cause, for example an overactive thyroid or a liver condition. Our doctor provides explanation and context.
A value within the reference ranges
An LDL level within the laboratory reference ranges gives a reassuring picture for this marker. Bear in mind that this is a snapshot and that its meaning depends on your broader risk profile. With an increased risk, for example due to family history or diabetes, your doctor may look more strictly than the laboratory reference alone would suggest.
An elevated value
An elevated LDL level can be linked to a diet high in saturated fat, excess weight, little physical activity, an underactive thyroid, or a hereditary predisposition such as familial hypercholesterolaemia. A single measurement is not a diagnosis. Our doctor explains your value and advises when it is wise to discuss it with your GP.
How we interpret your result
Our doctors interpret your LDL level against the laboratory reference ranges and your personal context, age, lifestyle, medication use, family history, and any known conditions.
Related tests
Often combined with LDL cholesterol.
A single marker gives one perspective. For a broader picture you can combine LDL cholesterol with a theme package or related markers.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you want to know
Do I need to fast for an LDL test?
We advise fasting for 9 to 12 hours and drinking only water during that period. Laboratories often calculate LDL from the other lipids, including triglycerides, and those are strongly influenced by your last meal.
What is the difference between LDL and HDL?
LDL carries cholesterol from the liver to the body and, when there is a surplus, can settle in the artery wall. HDL transports excess cholesterol back to the liver. This is why LDL is called "bad" and HDL "good" cholesterol. Both are always assessed together.
What is the difference between LDL and ApoB?
LDL cholesterol measures the amount of cholesterol contained in the particles. ApoB counts the number of particles that can enter the artery wall, because each particle carries exactly one ApoB protein. In people with many small particles the count can be high while the LDL level looks unremarkable. ApoB then adds a complementary picture.
Why is LDL rarely assessed on its own?
LDL is one component of the lipid profile. The ratio with HDL and the level of triglycerides help determine how your value should be read. If you want a complete picture, choose the cholesterol profile or a heart and vascular package.
What influences my LDL level?
Saturated fats and trans fats in the diet can raise LDL. Unsaturated fats, fibre, exercise, and weight loss are associated with more favourable values. Heredity, thyroid function, and medication use also play a role.
How quickly does LDL change after a lifestyle change?
A clear change in diet, exercise, or weight can have a measurable effect within 6 to 12 weeks. Retesting after 3 to 6 months generally gives a good picture.
How often should I measure LDL?
A single measurement is sufficient for initial insight. With an elevated value, medication use, or an active lifestyle programme, retesting after a few months is common.
What do I do with my result?
You will receive a PDF report with your value and a doctor's explanation. What you do with it, such as discussing it with your GP or adjusting your lifestyle, remains entirely your choice.
Ready for insight into your LDL cholesterol?
For €49 you receive your LDL level including personal explanation from a doctor, typically within a few working days. No referral required.
Order LDL cholesterol for €49 →Want to test multiple markers at once?
Combine LDL cholesterol with other markers via Bloodworks Select. Blood draw costs are waived from €225.
49,-
All-in, blood draw included