LDL Particle Size
LDL is the ‘bad” cholesterol that clogs blood vessels. LDL is not the same for everyone-it is formed with different sizes-small, dense or large and fluffy. Contrary to what might be expected, it is better to have the larger particles. The smaller, denser particles are the more dangerous because they more easily penetrate into blood vessels to cause hardening of the arteries.
What does the test for LDL particle size add to the usual test of good and
bad cholesterol?
Standard cholesterol tests only measure the amount of LDL cholesterol in your blood. The test of LDL particle size measures the kind of LDL you have-either small or large. The larger, more desirable form is referred to as “Pattern A”. The smaller, more risky form, is “Pattern B”.
What determines the size of LDL particles?
LDL size is mostly determined by your genes, but is also affected by your diet, weight, and exercise level. Excess weight, lack of aerobic exercise, and diets high in sugar can increase your chance of having the small, more risky LDL.
What can be done if I have the small LDL particles?
The first step involves lifestyle changes-reducing the amount of sugar in your diet, weight loss, and aerobic exercise. Beyond those steps, small LDL can be converted into the more desirable larger LDL with the vitamin niacin, or the prescription medication, Tricor. Interestingly, the most common cholesterol medicines-the statins-have little effect on changing the LDL particle size although they can play an important role by lowering the overall level of LDL.
