LDL Cholesterol

Lipids marker

LDL

LDL Cholesterol

Category: Lipids
Unit: mmol/L

Low-density lipoprotein - 'bad' cholesterol associated with heart disease risk.

PED Notes

AAS typically elevate LDL. Combined with suppressed HDL, this creates an atherogenic profile. ApoB is a more accurate measure of atherogenic particle count than LDL alone.

When high

Supplements:

  • Citrus Bergamot -- 500mg 2x/day
  • Red Yeast Rice -- as directed
  • Plant Sterols -- as directed
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) -- 2-3g/day

Lifestyle:

  • Increase dietary fibre (oats, psyllium husk, vegetables)
  • Reduce processed foods and trans fats
  • Regular cardio 3-5x/week
  • If LDL >4.5 mmol/L on-cycle, consider shortening cycle or dropping oral AAS

Pharmacological options (first-line when LDL >3.5 mmol/L on cycle):

  • Rosuvastatin -- 5-10mg/day; first-line; physician oversight; monitor CK (athletes already have elevated baseline) and ALT
  • Ezetimibe -- 10mg/day; ~20% LDL drop; additive with statin; minimal side effects; useful as stand-alone for statin-intolerant athletes
  • Bempedoic acid -- 180mg/day; statin alternative with no muscle uptake; ideal when statins cause CK elevation
  • PCSK9 inhibitors (alirocumab 75mg, evolocumab 140mg subQ q2 weeks) -- ApoB-driven elevation when statin/ezetimibe insufficient; very effective (~60% LDL drop) but expensive; physician supervision required
  • All require physician oversight; baseline liver/CK panel before starting

History Chart

Reading History

Frequently Asked Questions

Reference Ranges

Standard Range

0 - 3.4 mmol/L

VitalMetrics Range

0 - 4.5 mmol/L

Statistics