Could my LDL cholesterol level be too low?
aks the doctor
Q. I am a 47-year-old man. According to a health examination done recently for life insurance, my LDL cholesterol was 62 mg/dL and too low. Is this a reason to be concerned? Are there any steps I can take to raise my LDL level?
A. Actually, an LDL cholesterol of 62 mg/dL is normal, it's just that few people living in developed countries have levels this low.
For people with known coronary heart disease, the desired LDL level is 70 mg/dL or less. Most people need to take a cholesterol-lowering medication, such as a statin, to achieve your level.
Your LDL level would be expected if you are a vegetarian. Vegetarians often have LDL levels as low as yours.
Assuming that you are otherwise healthy, not underweight, and eating a balanced diet, you should feel fortunate that your LDL level is that low.
There are times when a low LDL indicates a problem. A low level can occur in people who are undernourished because of a poor diet, or not eating because of a severe medical condition.
There are also some rare genetic diseases associated with extremely low LDL - lower than yours.
So, you should not be trying to raise your LDL cholesterol. However, you should see a doctor if your low LDL is due to weight loss, poor nutrition, or not feeling well. In that case, the goal will be to discover the underlying cause and try to correct it.
Image: © Kitsawet Saethao/Getty Images
About the Author
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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