Medium LDL Particles
Lipids marker
LDL Medium
Medium LDL Particles
The concentration of medium-sized LDL particles measured by advanced lipoprotein testing (NMR or ion mobility). It is a subfraction of the total LDL particle number, intermediate in size and atherogenicity between large buoyant and small dense LDL.
PED Notes
Medium LDL particles sit between the large, more buoyant LDL and the small, dense, most atherogenic LDL. They contribute to the total atherogenic particle burden (better captured by ApoB and LDL-P), and the clinically important question is usually the shift toward small dense particles rather than the medium fraction alone. AAS, especially oral 17-alpha-alkylated compounds, raise LDL particle number and drive the profile toward smaller, denser particles, so medium and small LDL often rise together on cycle while HDL is suppressed. Interpret this fraction as part of the whole subfraction pattern alongside ApoB, LDL-P, and small LDL. Reference ranges for individual subfractions are strongly method and lab dependent (NMR LipoProfile, ion mobility, and Boston Heart report differently), so trend against the same assay.
When high
When medium LDL particles are elevated:
- Manage the overall atherogenic particle burden rather than this fraction alone; ApoB and LDL-P are the primary targets.
- Supplements: Citrus Bergamot 500mg 2x/day; Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) 2-4g/day; Plant Sterols 2g/day with meals
- Lifestyle: regular cardio 3-5x/week, increased soluble fibre, reduced refined carbohydrate; if on oral AAS with a worsening particle profile, consider shortening the cycle or dropping orals
- Pharmacological options: medium LDL responds to the same stack as LDL-C, LDL-P, and ApoB, primarily statins (rosuvastatin 5-20mg/day), with ezetimibe 10mg/day, bempedoic acid 180mg/day, or PCSK9 inhibitors as needed; all under physician oversight with baseline liver/CK monitoring. See the LDL and ApoB markers for full protocols.
History Chart
Reading History
Frequently Asked Questions
Reference Ranges
Standard Range
VitalMetrics Range