LDL

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) is the lipoprotein that transports cholesterol from the liver to cells throughout the body. It's the value most commonly cited in discussions of cardiovascular risk and cholesterol-lowering treatment, since elevated LDL is directly linked to plaque buildup in artery walls.

Many standard lipid panels calculate LDL using the Friedewald formula rather than measuring it directly. The LDL Calculator performs this calculation if your report doesn't already show LDL.

LDL = Total Cholesterol − HDL − (Triglycerides ÷ 5)

This formula (the Friedewald formula) is generally accurate for typical triglyceride levels but less reliable when triglycerides are very high.

With total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL, HDL of 50 mg/dL, and triglycerides of 150 mg/dL:

LDL = 200 − 50 − (150 ÷ 5) = 200 − 50 − 30 = 120 mg/dL

This falls in the "near-optimal" range on many standard reference scales.

• Often calculated, not measured directly: most standard panels derive LDL from total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides rather than testing it separately.
• Less accurate at high triglycerides: the Friedewald formula becomes less reliable above roughly 400 mg/dL triglycerides.
• Consider alongside HDL and the ratio: the Cholesterol Ratio Calculator captures the balance between LDL and HDL in a single number.
• Lifestyle changes can lower LDL: reducing saturated fat and increasing soluble fiber intake are among the most consistently evidence-backed dietary changes.