Lipids - Small Dense LDL

When measuring LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), it is the cholesterol mass within the LDL particles that is being measured. The LDL particle population within LDL is heterogeneous – meaning that the size, density and composition of each particle will be different. sdLDL-C is a subfraction of low density lipoprotein (LDL) with smaller particle size and higher density than larger more buoyant LDL. They all transport triglycerides and cholesterol to the tissues, but their atherogenesis varies according to their size. sdLDL-C will more readily permeate the inner arterial wall. sdLDL-C is more susceptible to oxidation and has a lower affinity to the hepatic LDL receptor, and as such circulates in the blood longer.