What does high ldl mean

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Understanding High LDL Cholesterol: Implications and Risks

What is LDL Cholesterol?

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. It is one of the types of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol through the bloodstream. Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are a significant concern because they are a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease and peripheral arterial disease 12.

Dietary Impact on LDL Cholesterol

Influence of Dietary Cholesterol

Dietary cholesterol intake has a direct impact on circulating LDL cholesterol levels. Research indicates that increasing dietary cholesterol leads to a corresponding increase in LDL cholesterol. For instance, an increase of 100 mg of dietary cholesterol per day can raise LDL cholesterol by approximately 1.90 to 4.58 mg/dL, depending on the model used . This relationship underscores the importance of dietary choices in managing cholesterol levels.

Saturated and Trans Fats

In addition to dietary cholesterol, the intake of saturated and trans fatty acids also plays a crucial role in influencing LDL cholesterol levels. Reducing the consumption of these fats is recommended to lower LDL cholesterol and, consequently, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases .

Health Risks Associated with High LDL Cholesterol

Cardiovascular Diseases

High LDL cholesterol is causally linked to an increased risk of coronary artery disease. This association is well-documented and forms the basis for many dietary and medical interventions aimed at lowering LDL cholesterol levels .

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Beyond coronary artery disease, high LDL cholesterol is also associated with other vascular conditions. Studies have shown that elevated LDL cholesterol levels increase the risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). For example, individuals with LDL cholesterol levels above the 95th percentile have a significantly higher risk of PAD and CKD compared to those with lower levels . Genetic analyses further support the causal role of LDL cholesterol in the development of these diseases .

Lack of Association with Retinopathy and Neuropathy

Interestingly, high LDL cholesterol does not appear to be causally associated with retinopathy or neuropathy. This suggests that while LDL cholesterol is a critical factor in certain vascular diseases, its impact may not extend to all types of vascular conditions .

Conclusion

High LDL cholesterol is a significant health concern due to its strong association with cardiovascular diseases, particularly coronary artery disease, PAD, and CKD. Dietary choices, especially the intake of cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans fats, play a crucial role in managing LDL cholesterol levels. Understanding these relationships can help in making informed decisions to reduce the risk of serious health conditions.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Meta-regression analysis of the effects of dietary cholesterol intake on LDL and HDL cholesterol.

Changes in dietary cholesterol intake are positively associated with LDL-cholesterol levels and slightly inversely related to HDL-cholesterol levels in men but positively related in women.

Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous JournalHighly Cited

2018·

72citations

·Melissa J. Vincent et al.

Impact of LDL Cholesterol on Microvascular Versus Macrovascular Disease: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

High LDL-C is not causally associated with retinopathy or neuropathy, but is observed and genetically associated with high risks of peripheral arterial disease and chronic kidney disease.

Meta-Analysis

2019·

45citations

·F. Emanuelsson et al.

Low LDL-C and High HDL-C Levels Are Associated with Elevated Serum Transaminases amongst Adults in the United States: A Cross-sectional Study

Low LDL-C and high HDL-C levels are associated with significantly higher odds of elevated serum transaminases in the general U.S. adult population, highlighting an underestimated link between lipoprotein metabolism and liver diseases.

Observational StudyRigorous Journal

2014·

30citations

·Z. Jiang et al.

Identification of Scavenger Receptor SR-BI as a High Density Lipoprotein Receptor

The class B scavenger receptor SR-BI is an HDL receptor, mediating selective cholesterol uptake through a distinct mechanism from the classic LDL receptor pathway.

Highly Cited

1996·

2379citations

·S. Acton et al.

The LDL Apolipoprotein B-to-LDL Cholesterol Ratio: Association with Cardiovascular Mortality and a Biomarker of Small, Dense LDLs

Elevated LDLapoB/LDLC ratios are associated with increased cardiovascular mortality and serve as a biomarker for small, dense LDLs.

Observational StudyRigorous Journal

2022·

7citations

·G. Silbernagel et al.

LDL cholesterol: the lower the better.

Lowering LDL-C levels to less than 70 mg/dL is associated with improved clinical outcomes and atherosclerosis regression.

Highly Cited

2012·

97citations

·S. Martin et al.

Molecular genetics of the LDL receptor gene in familial hypercholesterolemia

79 additional mutations in the LDL receptor gene have been identified, providing insights into the structure/function relationship of the receptor protein and the clinical manifestations of familial hypercholesterolemia.

Highly Cited

1992·

1177citations

·H. Hobbs et al.

LDL particle subclasses in hypercholesterolemia. Molecular determinants of reduced lipid hydroperoxide stability.

Elevated concentrations of large, CE-rich, light, and intermediate LDL subclasses in hypercholesterolemia may act as an abundant proatherogenic source of highly unstable lipid hydroperoxides in the arterial wall.

Observational Study

2002·

20citations

·L. Chancharme et al.

Evolocumab for Early Reduction of LDL-Cholesterol Levels in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes (EVOPACS).

Evolocumab added to high-intensity statin therapy effectively reduces LDL-C levels in acute coronary syndrome patients, bringing over 95% within recommended target levels.

RCTLarge Human TrialHighly Cited

2019·

164citations

·K. Koskinas et al.

Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease: evidence and guidance for management

Targeting elevated triglycerides and low HDL-C levels through lifestyle interventions and pharmacotherapy can help reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with cardiometabolic abnormalities.

Highly Cited

2011·

1165citations

·M. Chapman et al.

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