LDL Cholesterol blood test
Cholesterol carried by low-density lipoprotein, which can build up in artery walls.
- Typical range (adult men)
- below 100 mg/dL
- Panel
- Lipid Panel
- Also called
- LDL-C, "Bad" cholesterol
Reference ranges vary between labs; use the range on your own report. Results need to be read by a doctor alongside your symptoms and other tests.
Why it’s tested
The main lipid target for heart risk. Anabolic steroids, oral ones especially, can raise it.
What can raise it
- Genetics, diet high in saturated fat
- Anabolic steroid use
- Hypothyroidism
- Kidney disease
What can lower it
- Statins and other lipid-lowering medication
- Hyperthyroidism
Getting an accurate result
- Test in the morning, especially for hormones, which run highest early in the day.
- Fast for 8 to 12 hours beforehand (water is fine).
- Stay hydrated, and test at the same lab and time of day each time so results compare fairly.
Compounds that affect LDL Cholesterol
Monitored with these, based on their known properties:
- Testosterone Cypionate
- Testosterone Enanthate
- Testosterone Propionate
- Deca-Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate)
- NPP (Nandrolone Phenylpropionate)
- Trenbolone Acetate
- Trenbolone Enanthate
- Equipoise (Boldenone Undecylenate)
- Masteron (Drostanolone Propionate)
- Masteron Enanthate (Drostanolone Enanthate)
- Primobolan (Methenolone Enanthate)
- Dianabol (Methandrostenolone)
Other lipid panel tests
Questions
What is a normal LDL Cholesterol level?
A typical adult male reference range is below 100 mg/dL. Ranges differ for women, by age and between labs, so compare with the range printed on your report.
What does high LDL Cholesterol mean?
Common reasons include genetics, diet high in saturated fat, anabolic steroid use, hypothyroidism and kidney disease. One result outside the range isn't a diagnosis: a doctor will look at it with your other markers and history.
What does low LDL Cholesterol mean?
Common reasons include statins and other lipid-lowering medication and hyperthyroidism.