LDL-C and Coronary Heart Disease

LDL Cholesterol (LDL-C)

• LDL-C is considered a major atherogenic lipoprotein, and elevated levels are linked to the development of coronary heart disease, making it a key screening test for children with a family history of dyslipoproteinemia or coronary heart disease.
• LDL-C is the primary goal of lipid therapy.

Calculating LDL-C Concentration

• LDL-C concentration is calculated using Friedwald's formula: LDL-C (mg/dL) = TC - (HDL-C + TGS/5) or LDL-C (mmol/L) = TC - (HDL-C + TGS/2.2)
• Friedwald's formula is not applicable when triglycerides (TGs) level exceeds 400 mg/dL (4.5 mmol/L)

Interpreting LDL-C Results

For Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

• The LDL-C goal should be less than 100mg/dL for patients with coronary heart disease or coronary heart disease equivalent (peripheral arterial disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, carotid artery disease, and diabetes mellitus)

For Patients with Two or More Risk Factors

• The LDL-C goal should be considered for patients with two or more of the following risk factors:
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Hypertension
  • Low HDL-C
  • Family history of premature CHD (in males first-degree relatives)

Learn about the relation between LDL-C and coronary heart disease, and its measurement as a screening test, especially in childhood.