LCA and DCA are secondary bile acids. These secondary bile acids are associated with disease. An LCA:DCA ratio greater than 1 is associated with increased risk of gallstones, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. 

LCA and DCA are secondary bile acids. These secondary bile acids are associated with disease. An LCA:DCA ratio greater than 1 is associated with increased risk of gallstones, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. 

When illness or injury damages your cells, LDH may be released into the bloodstream, causing the level of LDH in your blood to rise.

LDH-1: heart and red blood cells

When illness or injury damages your cells, LDH may be released into the bloodstream, causing the level of LDH in your blood to rise.

LDH-2: heart and red blood cells

When illness or injury damages your cells, LDH may be released into the bloodstream, causing the level of LDH in your blood to rise.

LDH-3: lymph tissue, lungs, platelets, pancreas

When illness or injury damages your cells, LDH may be released into the bloodstream, causing the level of LDH in your blood to rise.

LDH-4: liver and skeletal muscle

When illness or injury damages your cells, LDH may be released into the bloodstream, causing the level of LDH in your blood to rise.

LDH-5: liver and skeletal muscle

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) serves as a significant biomarker for evaluating various central nervous system (CNS) conditions. Elevated CSF LDH levels are linked to trauma, infections, neoplastic disorders, and autoimmune diseases, reflecting underlying pathologies affecting the brain and CNS. LDH plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism by catalyzing the interconversion of pyruvate and lactate.

CSF LDH analysis is particularly valuable in distinguishing structural from metabolic causes of altered mental status in children, with higher levels often indicating structural brain injuries. In meningitis, CSF LDH levels are markedly elevated in pyogenic and tubercular meningitis compared to viral meningitis, aiding in diagnosis and differentiation. Furthermore, CSF LDH isoenzyme analysis has shown potential in identifying CNS involvement in hematologic malignancies, enhancing the sensitivity of CSF cytology.

This test measures the number of particles in each of the 8 LDL subclasses. Six of these 8 subclasses are small LDL subclass particles. These smaller particles are associated with rapid uptake into the endothelium contributing to accelerated atherosclerosis.

There is a 1.3-fold increased risk for Cardiovascular diseases associated with the small LDL trait and a 1.4-fold increased risk with the medium LDL trait.

LDL-P (LDL particle number) measures the actual number of LDL particles (particle concentration, nmol/L). It appears that LDL-P may be a stronger predictor of cardiovascular events than LDL-C.

Lipoproteins are particles that transport fats throughout the body. These particles are essential and carry a combination of proteins, vitamins, cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipid molecules. The composition of a lipoprotein particle changes as it circulates in the blood. Some molecules are removed and others are added, resulting in lipoprotein particles with variable amounts of cholesterol.

LDL Pattern (also called LDL phenotype or LDL particle size) classifies LDL cholesterol particles into two categories based on their size: Pattern A (large, buoyant particles) and Pattern B (small, dense particles). Pattern A is generally associated with a more favorable cardiovascular risk profile. Pattern B is associated with higher rates of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease, even when total LDL cholesterol appears normal. The test is not part of a standard lipid panel — it requires specialized advanced lipid testing through labs such as Cleveland HeartLab, Boston Heart Diagnostics, or NMR LipoProfile (LabCorp). LDL particle size is influenced by genetics and significantly affected by diet, exercise, and metabolic health.

An average size of LDL peak subclass particles measuring less than 218 angstroms, as measured with Ion Mobility, is associated with a 1.35-fold increased risk for CVD.

Contributing factors:

Genetics/demographics:

- Genetic predisposition

- High triglyceride and low HDL-C levels

The LDL Phenotype Pattern describes the size and density of LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) particles in your blood — a key factor in assessing heart and metabolic health.

LDL isn’t just one kind of cholesterol particle. It comes in different forms:

• Pattern A: Large, buoyant LDL particles (less harmful)

• Pattern B: Small, dense LDL particles (more harmful)

This test helps identify which LDL type dominates in your blood. Even if your total LDL cholesterol level appears normal, the particle size and type can strongly influence your risk for heart disease, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.

Small LDL-P and LDL Size are associated with CVD risk, but not after LDL-P is taken into account.

Small LDL subclass particles cause plaque buildup to progress much faster because they enter the artery wall more easily than large LDL particles. A predominance of smaller LDL particles, referred to as Pattern B lipid phenotype, represents an atherogenic lipid profile that is associated with CVD.

LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) is the primary atherogenic lipoprotein — the particles that deposit cholesterol into artery walls. Optimal: under 100 mg/dL. Borderline high: 130–159 mg/dL. High: 160–189 mg/dL. Very high: 190+ mg/dL. Risk-based targets differ: under 70 mg/dL for patients with prior heart attack or stroke. Most lab reports show "calculated" LDL using the Friedewald equation; direct LDL is used when triglycerides are very high.

Lipoproteins are particles that transport fats throughout the body. These particles are essential and carry a combination of proteins, vitamins, cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipid molecules.

The composition of a lipoprotein particle changes as it circulates in the blood. Some molecules are removed and others are added, resulting in lipoprotein particles with variable amounts of cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein particles (LDL-P) are bi-products of fat transport that remain in circulation for an extended time. While in circulation, LDL-P can penetrate the artery wall and get stuck, forming a fatty plaque. These plaques can build over time and lead to blockages, resulting in heart attacks and strokes.