Small Dense LDL-Cholesterol is a Big Deal Too

Cholesterol is a vital compound produced in the body for many purposes, including its role in cell membrane structure and fluidity, brain and nerve health, and the production of important hormones, including estrogen, cortisol, and aldosterone. However, if cholesterol gets oxidized, it can become "bad cholesterol" and contribute to atherosclerosis and cardiometabolic disorders, including heart disease and metabolic syndrome. 

An evaluation of how cholesterol is carried provides a much better assessment of whether or not it increases the risk of disease. In the past, the cholesterol carried on the low-density lipoprotein carrier (LDL) was considered "bad." However, advanced research recognizes that the cholesterol carried on small dense LDL particles (sdLDL-C carried on sdLDLs) and the sdLDLs themselves can become oxidized and modified in ways that make them more likely to contribute to atherosclerosis.

Research also reveals that an increase in sdLDL-C indicates cardiovascular risk even if LDL-cholesterol is very low. Therefore, an elevated sdLDL-C may detect a risk of adverse cardiovascular events previously overlooked in patients on statin drugs with a low LDL-C.

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CLICK HERE    [ LINK TO RESEARCH BLOG Cardiovascular Biomarkers: Small Dense LDL-Cholesterol   ]   to learn more about          XXXXXXX, health consequences, the ODX ranges, etc.