Heart, metabolismmg/dl
LDL cholesterol
Optimal
< 100 mg/dl (2.6 mmol/l); < 55 with known vascular disease
Why
The “bad cholesterol” — a causal factor in atherosclerosis (proven by Mendelian randomisation). ApoB is more precise, but LDL is available everywhere and guidelines rest on it. Lifetime exposure matters: keeping it under 100 at 30 is worth more than pushing it to 70 at 60.
How often
Yearly; every adult from age 20.
What moves it
Saturated → unsaturated fat swap (–10–15%), fibre (beta-glucan, psyllium –5–10%), 5% weight loss, statin (–30–50%), ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitor.
Last reviewed: 6 September 2026
This site is educational and does not replace medical advice. Start any supplement or drug only after consulting a doctor or pharmacist.