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.

The LDL/HDL ratio is a calculated value on the lipid panel — LDL-cholesterol divided by HDL-cholesterol. It is a marker of cardiovascular risk: the lower the ratio, the more favorable the cholesterol balance. A desirable LDL/HDL ratio is generally below 2.0. A low result on your lab report is actually a favorable finding — it means your LDL is low relative to your HDL. Also called LDLC/HDLC ratio, cardiac risk factor (LDL/HDL) (calc), or LDL/HDL MHFAC on some lab platforms.

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.

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

Lead toxicity causes paralysis and pain in the extremities due to effects on demyelinization, axonal degeneration, and presynaptic block. Lead toxicity commonly affects sensory, visual, auditory, and cerebellar (coordination) functions, reflecting its impact on the nervous system. Normocytic, sideroblastic anemia is the consequence of lead’s inhibiting effects on enzymes in the heme biosynthesis pathway. Other clinical signs associated with lead toxicity are kidney damage, epigastric pain and nausea, and male and female reproductive failure. Hyperactivity, anorexia, decreased play activity, low intelligence quotient and poor school performance have been observed in children with high lead levels. Sources of lead include lead pipes, painted toys, some red lipsticks, lead paint or its dust, soil around old cars, old homes, or highways (past leaded gasoline contamination).