Identification

• LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein. This is the "bad" type of cholesterol. The "good" type of cholesterol is HDL, or high-density lipoprotein.
  
  

Range

• An optimal range of LDL cholesterol is below 100 mg/dL. Between 130 and 159 mg/dL is borderline high, and a number higher than 160 mg/dL is dangerously high. Your doctor can check your cholesterol levels, both LDL and HDL, with a blood test.
  
  

Significance

• If your LDL cholesterol level is too high, the plaque in your arteries can build up. This is known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can lead to other health complications, such as an aneurysm, which can cause internal bleeding.
  
  

Complications

• Some of the possible complications of having high LDL cholesterol are coronary artery disease, angina (chest pain), heart attack and stroke.
  
  

Treatment

• Along with a healthy diet and regular exercise, medications can help you to lower your LDL cholesterol. Choose a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet with plenty of plant-based foods.