LDL Cholesterol
LDL is often called "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in artery walls over time, which is linked to heart disease risk. Unlike most lab values, there's no healthy floor — lower is better, all the way down.
Your reading
Under 100 mg/dL is the standard "optimal" reference range for most adults. If you have existing heart disease or diabetes, your actual target may be lower (some guidelines go as low as 70) — that's set by a clinician based on your overall risk, not a universal number.
What may help
- —Reducing saturated fat (fatty meat, butter, full-fat dairy) and replacing it with unsaturated fats (olive oil, nuts, fish)
- —Soluble fiber — oats, beans, apples — which binds cholesterol in the gut
- —Regular aerobic exercise, which tends to raise HDL and can modestly lower LDL
When to talk to a doctor
If your LDL is significantly elevated, especially alongside other risk factors (family history, high blood pressure, smoking) — statins and other medications are a real, well-studied option a doctor can discuss.
Source: American Heart Association. Reference ranges are standard adult intervals — your own lab may report a different range for your age, sex, or method. This isn't medical advice; always go by the range on your actual results and talk to a clinician about anything that concerns you.