Blood
LDL Cholesterol
Also known as: Bad Cholesterol, LDL-C
CONVERT & COMPARE
mg/dL
=
1.29
mmol/L
Reference ranges by source
Published adult intervals: 9, from 6 named sources, shown in mg/dL.
SOURCE
SEX
AGE
RANGE
VISUAL
CITE
J
JSCC / JAMT Japan
All
≥18y
63 – 177 mg/dL
T
Turkey Nationwide Reference Intervals
Male
≥18y
61.9 – 155 mg/dL
T
Turkey Nationwide Reference Intervals
Female
≥18y
52.2 – 146 mg/dL
J
JSCC / JAMT Japan
All · ≥18y
63 – 177 mg/dL
T
Turkey Nationwide Reference Intervals
Male · ≥18y
61.9 – 155 mg/dL
T
Turkey Nationwide Reference Intervals
Female · ≥18y
52.2 – 146 mg/dL
About LDL Cholesterol
A cholesterol test is a blood test that measures the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides (a type of fat) in your blood. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that's found in your blood and every cell of your body. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods.
Your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs and removes excess amounts. Cholesterol is also found in foods from animal sources, such as meat, egg yolks, poultry, and dairy products. Foods high in dietary fat can increase the cholesterol in your blood. If there's too much cholesterol in your blood, your liver can't remove it all.
There are two main types of cholesterol: LDL (low-density lipoprotein), or "bad" cholesterol, and HDL (high-density lipoprotein), or "good" cholesterol.
Too much LDL cholesterol in your blood increases your risk for coronary artery disease and other heart diseases. High LDL levels can cause the buildup of a sticky substance called plaque in your arteries. This buildup of plaque is known as atherosclerosis. Over time, plaque can narrow your arteries or fully block them. Cholesterol results are also helpful for evaluating conditions such as hyperlipoproteinemia and certain liver and thyroid disorders.
Main source: MedlinePlus ↗
Useful for
Assessing your risk of coronary artery disease and other heart conditions, especially when LDL is reviewed alongside HDL and triglycerides.
Helping diagnose disorders that affect blood fats, such as inherited high-cholesterol conditions and atherosclerosis.
Supporting evaluation of liver and thyroid problems that can change cholesterol levels.
Tracking how lifestyle changes or cholesterol-lowering treatment are affecting your LDL over time.
Main source: MedlinePlus ↗
Interpretation
Cholesterol is usually measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. In general, low LDL levels and high HDL cholesterol levels are good for heart health. Healthy ranges differ by age and sex. Ask your provider what's typical for you.
For general wellness information only. Talk to a clinician about your specific results.
Main source: MedlinePlus ↗
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Related biomarkers
More tests in the blood category.
Sources
A
ARUP Laboratories
M
Mayo Clinic Laboratories
L
Labcorp
N
Nordic Reference Interval Project
J
JSCC / JAMT Japan
T
Turkey Nationwide Reference Intervals
Last updated 2026-05-02
This page presents source-specific reference data and sourced explanations. For general wellness information only. This is not medical advice. For diagnosis or treatment of any condition, talk to a qualified clinician.