Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), or “bad” cholesterol, is known to increase risk of heart attack and stroke when levels become elevated in the blood. LDL-C is measured as a part of a lipid profile, which is used to determine your risk for developing cardiovascular disease. LDL-C can usually be controlled through a combination of lifestyle changes.

LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio is the ratio of two types of lipids in the blood. LDL stands for low density lipoprotein or “bad cholesterol” and HDL stands for high density lipoprotein or “good cholesterol.”

Found naturally in soil. More often found in fossil fuels, gasoline/exhaust, manufacturing, lead-acid batteries, ammunitions, metal solder and pipes, X-ray shields, paint, glass, pigments, and sheet lead.

Generally, hair provides a good indication of exposure to lead (Pb). However, elevated levels of Pb in head hair are occasionally an artifact of hair darkening agents, e.g. lead acetate. Although such products can cause exogenous contamination, transdermal absorption may be clinically significant. When scalp hair is contaminated with such products, hair Pb levels are typically extremely high

A percentage of assimilated Lead is excreted in urine. Therefore the urine Lead level reflects recent or ongoing exposure to Lead and the degree of excretion or endogenous detoxification processes.

Sources of Lead include:

- old lead-based paints,

- batteries,

- industrial smelting and alloying,

- some types of solders,

- Ayruvedic herbs,

- some toys and products from China and Mexico,

- glazes on (foreign) ceramics,

- leaded (anti-knock compound) fuels,

- bullets and fishing sinkers,

- artist paints with Pb pigments,

- and leaded joints in municipal water systems.

Fecal lead (Pb) provides an indication of recent oral exposure to the element, and to a much lesser extent Pb that has been excreted from the body in bile. Absorbed Pb is excreted primarily in urine (76%) and bile (16%). Lead remains the most common clinically problematic toxic metal despite long past termination of its use in gasoline and paint. However, high levels of Pb have been found in soil under older bridges and overpasses due to sand blasting and refurbishing.