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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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LDL

Results and Values

What do the test results mean?

LDL results in healthy adults are evaluated as follows:

optimal is less than 100 milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dL

near optimal/above optimal is 100 to 129 mg/dL

borderline high is 130 to 159 mg/dL

high is 160 to 189 mg/dL

very high is 190 mg/dL or greater

If an individual has certain other risk factors, LDL goals are more strict. LDL goals for these groups are as follows:

less than 100 mg/dL for people with CHD and CHD risk equivalents

less than 130 mg/dL for individuals with two or more risk factors

less than 160 mg/dL for people with 0 to 1 risk factor

Abnormally high levels of LDL may indicate the following:

atherosclerosis

biliary cirrhosis, which is scarring and blockage of the bile ducts

diet high in cholesterol, saturated fats, calories, or trans fats

familial hyperlipidemia, a condition in which having high blood lipids runs in a family

heart attack

high stress

hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland

lack of exercise

nephrotic syndrome, which is a kidney disease resulting in loss of protein in the urine

overweight or obesity

uncontrolled diabetes

Abnormally low levels of LDL may indicate the following:

hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland

liver disease

malabsorption, or inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestines

malnutrition

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