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Lab report

LDL cholesterol: normal range and what your result means

Also called ldl, bad cholesterol, ldl c

What this test measures

LDL is often called the bad cholesterol. It is the type that builds up in artery walls, so lower is better.

LDL cholesterol ranges for adults

Result (mg/dL)What it means
under 100OptimalYour LDL is in the optimal range.
100 to 129Near optimalYour LDL is close to optimal.
130 to 159Borderline highYour LDL is a little high. Diet and activity changes help, and your doctor may set a lower target if you have other risks.
160 to 189HighYour LDL is high. Please talk to a doctor about your heart risk and treatment.
190 and aboveVery highYour LDL is very high. Please see a doctor; this level usually needs medicine, and family members may need a test too.

Labs use slightly different ranges. Always compare with the range printed on your own report.

What helps

  • Replace fried and fatty food with fibre-rich food.
  • Exercise regularly and keep a healthy weight.
  • Take cholesterol medicine exactly as prescribed.

Talk to a doctor if

  • Your LDL is 160 or above
  • You have diabetes or heart disease and your LDL is above 70
  • A parent or sibling had a heart attack young

The right doctor for this

Cardiologist

Show your report to a doctor online and get a clear plan. If you are not sure who to see, a general physician is always a safe place to start.

Consult a CardiologistBook a home test: Lipid profile

Check your LDL cholesterol value

1 Choose the tests on your report

Common

2 Type your values

LDL cholesterol

LDL is often called the bad cholesterol. It is the type that builds up in artery walls, so lower is better.

Type your value to see what it means.

Private and not a diagnosis. Nothing you type here is saved or sent anywhere. Labs use slightly different ranges, so always compare with the range printed on your own report. A result must be read together with your symptoms, age, pregnancy and medicines, so please do not start or stop any medicine on your own.

Check all your report values
Consult a doctorCardiologist Book test

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Emergency numbers in India

Save these in your phone now, not when you need them. Tap any number to call it.

112Any emergencyOne number for police, fire and ambulance across India108AmbulanceFree emergency ambulance in most states and union territories102Pregnancy and newbornAmbulance for mothers and babies in most states14416Mental health supportTele MANAS, free counselling every hour of the day, many languages1800 116 117Poisoning or overdoseNational Poisons Information Centre, AIIMS New Delhi1098Child in distressChildline India, free and confidential

Where to read more

Public health sources written for patients rather than for doctors, and kept up to date.

Ministry of Health and Family WelfareOfficial Indian health programmes, advisories and public guidanceWorld Health Organization health topicsGlobal fact sheets written for the public, on hundreds of topicsNHS health A to ZPlain language pages on symptoms, conditions, tests and treatmentsMedlinePlusPatient information from the United States National Library of MedicineTele MANASIndia's national mental health support service, free and available all day

Important: Everything in Teleprac patient resources is general health education. It does not give you a diagnosis and it cannot replace examination by a qualified doctor, because it does not know your age, your reports, your pregnancy or the other medicines you take. Please do not start, stop or change any medicine on your own. Teleprac Healthcare is not liable for decisions made on the basis of this information. In an emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital immediately.