LDL-P

LDL Particle Number

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What's

LDL-P

LDL-P, or Low-Density Lipoprotein Particle Number, is a way to measure the number of LDL particles in your blood. LDL particles are tiny carriers that move cholesterol and fats, like triglycerides, throughout your body. Each LDL particle has one LDL cholesterol molecule, but the size and number of these particles can be different. LDL-P gives a more detailed view of your cholesterol profile compared to traditional LDL cholesterol tests, as it counts the actual number of LDL particles, rather than just measuring the amount of cholesterol they carry. This can be especially helpful, as two people with the same LDL cholesterol level can have very different LDL-P numbers.

If Your Levels Are High

Having high LDL-P levels means there are more LDL particles in your blood than usual, which could be due to various reasons. Eating a diet rich in unhealthy fats and cholesterol can contribute to this, as can not getting enough exercise. Some medications, like beta-blockers, diuretics, and certain birth control types, might also raise LDL-P levels. Additionally, conditions like metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, or a genetic tendency for high cholesterol, called familial hypercholesterolemia, could be factors behind the increased number of LDL particles in your blood.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of LDL-P may not be immediately noticeable. Often, there are no specific symptoms directly linked to elevated LDL-P levels. However, over time, high LDL-P levels could contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the hardening and narrowing of the arteries, which can lead to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

If Your Levels are Low

A low LDL-P level means that there are fewer LDL particles in your blood than usual. This could be due to various reasons, such as eating a diet with less saturated fat, consuming more omega-3 fatty acids, or taking medications like statins that help lower LDL cholesterol. It might also indicate certain health conditions, like hypothyroidism, where your thyroid gland isn't producing enough hormones, or malnutrition, which means your body isn't getting the nutrients it needs. While LDL particles carry cholesterol, which is essential for your body to function properly, having too few LDL particles could affect the balance of cholesterol in your body.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of LDL-P may not be easily noticeable, as they are often subtle and can be associated with the underlying conditions causing the low LDL-P. These could include fatigue, unexplained weight gain, sensitivity to cold, or dry skin, which are common symptoms of hypothyroidism. In cases of malnutrition, symptoms might include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or weakened immunity.

See References

Test for

LDL Particle Number

NMR LipoProfile

Access Med Labs

Whole Blood

The NMR LipoProfile® directly measures the amount of LDL circulating in the body. It is used in conjunction with other lipid measurements to aid in the management of lipoprotein disorders associated with cardiovascular disease.

NMR LipoProfile®

Access Labcorp Draw

Whole Blood

LPP Plus

SpectraCell Laboratories

Serum

Lipoprotein particles are responsible for key steps in plaque formation and the development of cardiovascular disease. The LPP Plus test measures 12 lipoprotein particle markers to determine cardiovascular disease risk. This test is not recommended for patients under 18 years of age.

Cardio IQ Lipoprotein Fractionation

Access Med Labs

Serum

This test measures LDL particles of various sizes. Decreasing size of LDL particles is correlated with an increased risk of premature heart disease.

LDL-P & HDL-P by NMR

Boston Heart Diagnostics

Serum

This panel measures LDL particle number (LDL-P) and HDL particle number (HDL-P). Please be advised that Boston Heart Diagnostics policy states that practitioners cannot order labs on themselves or their immediate family members.

CONTENTS

What is it?

High Levels

Low Levels

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