Cardiology - LDL Cholesterol

Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) are synthesised in the liver by the action of various Lipolytic enzymes on triglyceride rich Very Low Density Lipoproteins (VLDLs). Specific LDL receptors exist to facilitate the elimination of LDL from plasma by liver parenchymal cells. It has been shown that most of the cholesterol stored in atherosclerotic plaques originates from LDL. For this reason the LDL-Cholesterol concentration is considered to be the most important clinical predictor, of all single parameters, with respect to coronary atherosclerosis. Accurate measurement of LDL-Cholesterol is of vital importance in therapies which focus on lipid reduction to prevent atherosclerosis or reduce its progress and to avoid plaque rupture.

It is recommended a patient get tested when aged 40; as part of a routine CV health check; if they are already thought to be at risk of CVD for another reason; or to monitor their response to treatments which lower LDL Cholesterol.