Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a critical biomarker in assessing cardiovascular health, commonly known as "bad" cholesterol due to its association with increased risk of heart disease. LDL-C is one of the primary lipoproteins responsible for transporting cholesterol to cells throughout the body. While cholesterol is essential for building cell membranes and producing hormones, excess LDL-C can lead to the formation of plaque in the arteries. This plaque buildup, or atherosclerosis, can restrict blood flow, making arteries less flexible and more prone to blockages. Elevated levels of LDL-C are a significant risk factor for developing coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Therefore, maintaining optimal LDL-C levels is crucial for heart health. Health experts recommend regular screening through a lipid profile, which measures LDL-C along with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol, and triglycerides. A comprehensive understanding of LDL-C and its impact on the body is essential for preventing cardiovascular diseases and promoting overall well-being.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.