Small dense low-density lipoproteins (sdLDLs) are the bad guys when it comes to the causes of cardiovascular disease. They are small "sticky" lipoprotein carriers that can initiate and promote atherosclerosis, the primary cause of cardiovascular disease. They are more easily oxidized and changed in ways that help them enter and damage the lining of blood vessels.
Measuring sdLDLs can reveal more about cardiometabolic risk and the likelihood of an adverse cardiac event than measuring LDL-cholesterol can. Elevated sdLDLs are also associated with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, high triglycerides, and lower HDL-C.
Natural foods and supplements can help bring down sdLDLs, including flaxseed oil, omega-3s from seafood, avocadoes, and targeted nutrition supplements. A healthy lifestyle and exercise can help as well.
Source: Vekic, Jelena et al. “Atherosclerosis Development and Progression: The Role of Atherogenic Small, Dense LDL.” Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) vol. 58,2 299. 16 Feb. 2022, doi:10.3390/medicina58020299 This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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