LDL

LDL low-density lipoprotein.

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LDL

abbr.

low-density lipoprotein

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Low density lipoproteins (LDL)

A blood-plasma lipoprotein that is high in cholesterol and low in protein content and that carries cholesterol to cells and tissue; also called bad cholesterol.

Mentioned in: C-Reactive Protein, Cholesterol Test, Hypercholesterolemia

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LDL,

abbreviation for low-density lipoprotein.

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LDL 

low-density lipoprotein.

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LDL,

n.pl See lipoproteins, low-density.

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LDL

low-density lipoprotein.

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LDL receptors

specialized receptor proteins for binding low-density lipoproteins; clustered on the plasma membrrane in a structure called a coated pit, an invagination containing the protein clathrin. On binding with LDL, the plasma membrane fuses near the receptor-LDL complex and the coated pit becomes an endocytotic vesicle which is transported into the cell, fuses with the lysosomes enabling contact between the LDL-receptor complex and hydrolytic enzymes of the lysosomes.

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LDL

Low-density lipoprotein Beta-lipoprotein A 3000 kD plasma lipoprotein–
normal serum concentration 60-155 mg/dL–which has a central role in transporting cholesterol from the intestine to the liver ↑ in Nephrotic syndrome, obstructive jaundice, uncontrolled DM, type II hypercholesterolemia; ↓ in Familial LDL deficiency. See Cholesterol, Small LDL. Cf HDL.

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Patient discussion about LDL.

Q. How can I increase my HDL cholesterol levels? My Doctor told me that my cholesterol levels are not good and that I should lower my LDL and higher my HDL. I understand how to lower the cholesterol, but how can I increase the HDL?

A. Here are a few things you can do in order to raise your HDL levels:
Aerobic exercise
Lose weight
Stop smoking
Cut out the trans fatty acids from your diet.
Alcohol: one or two drinks per day can significantly increase HDL levels
Increase the monounsaturated fats in your diet.
Add soluble fiber to your diet.

Q. How to lower high cholesterol? The Doctor told my husband that his cholesterol levels are very high and that he has to lower them immediately. What foods are low in cholesterol and what foods should I be cooking for him to eat?

A. Any treatment of high cholesterol first begins with some lifestyle changes. This involves three simple, yet often difficult to execute, steps: improved diet, increased physical activity, and weight management.
Make sure your Husband is eating unsaturated fats instead of saturated and trans fats, avoiding cholesterol, increasing dietary fiber, and consuming more plant sterols/stanols. Increase his vegetables and whole grains intake, but decrease the fat, salt and sugar intakes.
Also, it will be easier for him to stick to his diet if the whole family changes their eating habits and eats healthier too. Start cooking healthy meals for the whole family and not just for him.

Q. Which cholesterol is the bad cholesterol and what level is considered high cholesterol? I keep on hearing about cholesterol and how it is bad for you though I understand that there are two kinds of cholesterol and that only one of them is bad, which is it? Also, what level is considered high cholesterol?

A. Cholesterol can’t dissolve in the blood. It has to be transported to and from the cells by carriers called lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is known as “bad” cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as “good” cholesterol. These two types of lipids, along with triglycerides and Lp(a) cholesterol, make up your total cholesterol count, which can be determined through a blood test. If your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL or greater, or if your HDL is less than 40 mg/dL, then you will probably need treatment.