There are many reason for low LDL levels, as well as various ways to change your LDL level. Hypobetalipoproteinemia is an inherited disorder of lipoprotein metabolism which causes low cholesterol levels.
LDL Defintion
LDL or low-density lipoprotein is often referred to as the "bad" cholesterol.
Measuring LDL
A low-density lipoprotein cholesterol test is the blood test used to measure LDL levels. Though usually conducted as part of routine physical examinations for adults; the recommendation cites having it done at least once every five years. Recommendations also cite only testing healthy patients since the effect of certain acute illnesses including heart attacks and stressful situations temporarily affects LDL levels.
Doctors are looking for a low LDL level, below 100 mg/dL.
LDL Target Levels
LDL targets vary by your risk of having heart disease. The average American LDL level is approximately 130. If you have high heart disease, then your target LDL level is less than 70. This number goes higher, when your risk of heart disease is lowered.
Lowering Your LDL
If your goal is to lower your LDL level by 13% or less, then changing your dietary habits might just do the trick. Some dietary recommendations are to increase your levels of oatmeal and oat bran, walnuts and almonds, fish and omega-3 fatty acids, olive oil, and foods fortified with plant sterols or stanols. If you need to lower your level by more, then your doctor might prescribe a statin for you (i.e. Levacor, Zocor, Pravachol, Lipitor, Crestor, etc). Other options include a cholesterol absorbtion inhibitor, bile acid sequestrants, nicotonic acid (or niacin), fibrates, losing weight, limiting saturated fats, avoiding trans fats, quit smoking.
Causes of Low LDL
Two of the common causes for low LDL levels are Parkinson's disease and the Ketogenic diet (a diet plan developed to help epileptic patients, but also used by body builders).
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