Biomarker mg/dl (mmol/l)
LDL Cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein – the 'bad' cholesterol
Also known as
LDL LDL-C bad cholesterol low-density lipoprotein
Definition
LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) transports cholesterol from the liver to body cells and is the primary driver of atherosclerosis when chronically elevated. Risk stratification is individualized using SCORE2 tables (ESC) based on overall risk profile. Beyond absolute concentration, particle quality metrics (ApoB, small dense LDL) are gaining increasing diagnostic relevance.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Unit | mg/dl (mmol/l) |
| Reference Range | < 130 mg/dl (low risk) | < 100 mg/dl (moderate risk) | < 70 mg/dl (high risk) |
| Optimal Range (lab2go) | < 100 mg/dl (lab2go Optimum Zone for general prevention) |
Last Reviewed: 17 April 2026 · maritta