At a Glance Why Get Tested? To determine risk of developing
heart disease When to Get Tested? A blood sample drawn from a
vein in the arm or from a fingerstick Test Preparation Needed?
Laboratory tests for LDL-C generally require a 12-hour fast;
only water is permitted. The Test Sample What is being tested?
LDL is a type of lipoprotein that carries cholesterol in the
blood. LDL is considered to be undesirable because it deposits
excess cholesterol in walls of blood vessel and contributes to
hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and heart disease.
Hence LDL cholesterol is often termed “bad” cholesterol.
Usually, the amount of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) is calculated
using the results of a standard lipid profile, which consists of
total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C),
and triglycerides. By applying a formula, the amount of
cholesterol present in low-density lipoprotein can be
determined, and this calculated value is typically reported as
well. In most cases, this is a good estimate