LDL
Medical abbreviation · Laboratory Test
| Stands for | Low-density lipoprotein (cholesterol) |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
LDL stands for Low-density lipoprotein (cholesterol), a laboratory test abbreviation.
Cholesterol carried in LDL particles, often called "bad cholesterol" because it builds up in artery walls and drives atherosclerosis. It is the main target of statins and other lipid-lowering drugs: levels below 100 mg/dL are considered optimal for most people, while 190 mg/dL or higher warrants treatment regardless of other risk.
Example: LDL 162 despite diet changes; starting atorvastatin 20 mg.
Usage notes
Usually calculated rather than measured. The 1972 Friedewald formula subtracts HDL and one-fifth of triglycerides from total cholesterol but fails when triglycerides exceed 400 mg/dL; the Martin-Hopkins and NIH (Sampson) equations are more accurate at low LDL or high triglycerides. Lab reports may write LDL-C to specify the cholesterol content, as opposed to LDL-P, the particle number.
Related abbreviations
More laboratory test abbreviations
- Hgb – Hemoglobin
- hs-CRP – High-sensitivity C-reactive protein
- iCa – Ionized calcium
- INR – International normalized ratio
- K – Potassium
- LDH – Lactate dehydrogenase
- LE – Leukocyte esterase
- LFT – Liver function tests
- LIS – Laboratory information system
- Lytes – Electrolytes
- MCH – Mean corpuscular hemoglobin
- MCHC – Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration
See all 135 laboratory test abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.