Global wellness trends and the future of health 2026

Cholesterol is not in itself dangerous. On the contrary, it is an essential fatty substance that the body uses to build cell membranes, produce hormones and form bile acids and vitamin D. Without cholesterol, the body simply would not function.

The problem arises when cholesterol circulates in the blood in too high concentrations, especially in the form of LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein). LDL transports cholesterol from the liver to the body's tissues. When the amount becomes too large, these particles can begin to be stored in the walls of blood vessels, where they trigger inflammation and gradually contribute to atherosclerosis. It is this process that can ultimately lead to heart attack or stroke.

But why is LDL so strongly linked to heart attack?

When LDL particles penetrate the vessel wall, they can be oxidized and trigger an inflammatory response. The immune system tries to “clean up”, but the result is often that fat, inflammatory cells and connective tissue build up into so-called plaques.

Over time, these plaques can make the vessels narrower and stiffer. In some cases, the plaque suddenly ruptures, which can cause a blood clot that completely blocks blood flow, a process that unfortunately lies behind most heart attacks and many strokes. It is for this specific reason that LDL cholesterol has become a central marker in cardiovascular prevention.

What does the research say – beyond the headlines?

LDL cholesterol is one of the most studied risk factors in medicine. Large clinical studies, genetic analyses and long-term follow-ups consistently show that lower LDL levels are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Among other things, extensive meta-analyses have shown that each reduction in LDL by approximately 1 mmol/L reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke by around 20–25%. The effect is seen both with lifestyle changes and with drug treatment.

It is this accumulated evidence that forms the basis for today's guidelines and the appeal of most heart specialists to treat elevated LDL concentrations.

How high is too high LDL?

LDL cholesterol is measured in mmol/L and is always interpreted in relation to the individual's overall risk profile. There is no single cut-off value that suits everyone, but as a general guideline, the adult population should strive for an LDL value below 3.0 mmol/L.

This guideline value is based on large population studies that show that the risk of heart attack and stroke increases gradually with rising LDL levels, even in people without known cardiovascular disease. The risk is not binary - it increases gradually over time the higher the LDL you are exposed to. In cases of increased risk, lower target values ​​are often recommended. This includes, for example, people with a strong family history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, long-term high blood pressure, smoking or other concurrent risk factors. In these cases, it is common to aim for LDL levels below 2.6 mmol/L, and sometimes even lower.

For people who have already had a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke, or who are at very high cardiovascular risk, the target values ​​are considerably stricter. In this case, LDL levels below 1.8 mmol/L, or even lower, are often recommended, since studies show that further reduction continues to reduce the risk of new events.

At the same time, it is important to emphasize that a single LDL value rarely gives the whole picture. A temporarily elevated value does not automatically mean that something is acutely wrong. It is the long-term exposure to excessively high LDL over months and years that is decisive for the risk of developing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. For this reason, repeated measurements, follow-up over time, and interpretation in their clinical context are often more important than a single test result.

LDL is not alone – the whole is crucial

A common misunderstanding is that LDL cholesterol should be interpreted in isolation. In reality, LDL interacts with other blood fats such as HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as with factors such as blood sugar, blood pressure and inflammation. Two people with the same LDL value can therefore have completely different risk profiles. This is precisely why regular follow-up and context-based interpretation are more important than single measurements.

How you can influence your cholesterol yourself

For many, it is possible to influence blood cholesterol levels through conscious changes in everyday life. Diet plays a central role, where a reduced intake of saturated fat and an increased intake of fiber and unsaturated fats can help lower LDL cholesterol. Regular physical activity has also been shown to have a positive effect, both through a direct impact on blood lipids and through improved insulin sensitivity and weight balance.

Weight loss in overweight individuals can in itself lead to clear improvements in the cholesterol profile, while smoking cessation is one of the most powerful measures to reduce the overall risk of cardiovascular disease. The effects often occur gradually and become more evident when the changes are maintained over time.

However, for some people, lifestyle measures are not sufficient, especially in cases of hereditary high cholesterol or high cardiovascular risk. In these cases, drug treatment, especially with statins, can be an effective and scientifically well-studied way to lower LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events. The choice of treatment is always made individually and based on an overall risk assessment.

Why is LDL cholesterol still so controversial?

The debate around LDL is rarely about whether excessively high levels are a risk factor – but rather about how aggressively to treat, in which individuals and with which methods. It is an important discussion, but it does not change the value of knowing your own levels.

On the contrary, knowledge about LDL cholesterol becomes a way to make more informed decisions, regardless of whether the focus is on lifestyle, follow-up or medical treatment.

A simple blood test can provide important insight into your LDL

Testing your LDL cholesterol " is one of the most basic ways to get a better picture of your cardiovascular health. With us, the sample is always taken through a venous blood test, which makes it available to more people – both as a preventive check and as a follow-up over time. LDL cholesterol isn't the whole truth about your health. But it's an important piece of the puzzle and often a good place to start.