LDL-C
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
High
185.5mg·dL⁻¹Ref 50–99 mg·dL⁻¹
Z +9.06↑ Bad

The card shows an example result of 185.5 mg·dL⁻¹, which is 9.06 SD above the mean.

What it measures

LDL carries cholesterol to tissues. When there is too much, it lodges in artery walls and builds plaque.

Reference range

FieldValue
AbbreviationLDL-C
GroupLipids
Unitmg·dL⁻¹
Healthy range50–99
Mean74.5
SD12.25
Direction↑ Bad — a raised value is the concern.

The mean is (low + high) / 2 and the SD is (high − low) / 4, so the healthy range covers Z from −2 to +2.

Reading the result

  • High — Linked to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The higher it is and the longer it lasts, the higher the risk.
  • Low — Not a concern.

Notes

  • Targets are lower for people at high cardiovascular risk, often under 70 or 55 mg·dL⁻¹.
  • Often calculated rather than measured. The calculation is less accurate when triglycerides are high.
  • This page is general information, not medical advice. Discuss results with a clinician.