Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is a particle that transports fats like cholesterol through the bloodstream. It is often called “bad” cholesterol because when levels in the blood are elevated, it can contribute to health problems. Your body produces cholesterol, and it is also found in certain foods. This substance is necessary for building healthy cells. LDL particles consist of a large amount of cholesterol combined with a smaller amount of protein.
What an LDL Level of 126 Means
A blood test called a lipid panel is used by healthcare providers to measure cholesterol levels, including LDL. The results are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). An LDL cholesterol level of 126 mg/dL falls into the “near optimal/above optimal” category, which ranges from 100 to 129 mg/dL. This is just above the optimal range of less than 100 mg/dL for most adults.
While a level of 126 mg/dL is not classified as high, it indicates that your LDL cholesterol is elevated above the ideal level. Doctors interpret this result within the context of your overall health profile. For individuals who already have a history of atherosclerosis, the target for LDL may be even lower, often below 70 mg/dL.
The other classifications for LDL cholesterol include borderline high (130-159 mg/dL), high (160-189 mg/dL), and very high (190 mg/dL and above). A result of 126 mg/dL serves as an indicator that attention to factors influencing cholesterol may be warranted.
Health Risks Associated with Borderline High LDL
An LDL level above the optimal range contributes to a process called atherosclerosis. When there is an excess of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream, it can deposit in the walls of your arteries. Over time, these cholesterol deposits form a hard structure known as plaque.
This plaque buildup causes the arteries to become narrower and less flexible, which can slow or even block the flow of blood. When this process occurs in the arteries leading to the heart, it is called coronary artery disease. If it affects the arteries in the brain, it is known as cerebrovascular disease, and in the limbs, it is referred to as peripheral artery disease. Restricted blood flow prevents tissues and organs from receiving enough oxygen.
Healthcare providers assess this number alongside other factors to determine the likelihood of a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke. These other risk factors include:
- Your age
- Sex
- Family history of heart disease
- Smoking status
- The presence of high blood pressure
- Whether you have diabetes
Factors That Influence LDL Cholesterol Levels
Diet plays a substantial role; consuming foods high in saturated fats, which are common in red meat and full-fat dairy products, can lead to an increase in LDL levels. Similarly, trans fats, often found in fried and some commercially processed foods, are known to raise LDL cholesterol.
A lack of regular physical activity can lead to weight gain and is associated with higher LDL cholesterol. Excess body weight, particularly abdominal fat, tends to raise LDL levels. Smoking is another factor, as it can lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the “good” cholesterol that helps remove LDL from the arteries.
Genetics can predispose individuals to higher cholesterol. Some people inherit genes from their parents that cause their bodies to produce more cholesterol, a condition known as familial hypercholesterolemia. Certain medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and hypothyroidism, can also lead to elevated LDL levels. Some medications, including certain steroids and blood pressure medicines, may raise LDL cholesterol.
Strategies for Lowering LDL Cholesterol
One effective approach is to replace sources of saturated fat with unsaturated fats, such as using olive oil instead of butter for cooking. A diet rich in soluble fiber can also help lower LDL; good sources include oats, barley, beans, apples, and Brussels sprouts. Incorporating foods fortified with plant sterols and stanols, which help block the absorption of cholesterol, may also be beneficial.
Regular physical activity is another effective method for improving cholesterol levels. Health guidelines often recommend aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week. This can include activities like:
- Brisk walking
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Jogging
If lifestyle adjustments like diet and exercise are not sufficient to reach your target LDL level, a doctor may discuss medication options. Statins are a common class of drugs prescribed to lower LDL cholesterol, especially for individuals who have other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.