Enter your values
Your LDL Result
LDL Friedewald
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LDL Martin-Hopkins
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Non-HDL-C
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Reference values per AHA/ACC 2018 guidelines. This tool is educational and does not replace medical evaluation.
What Is LDL-C?
LDL-C (Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol) is the cholesterol fraction carried in low-density particles. It is the main causal factor of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease — hence called "bad cholesterol." In the laboratory, LDL is rarely measured directly; it is normally calculated from a full lipid panel.
Friedewald vs. Martin-Hopkins Formula
| Aspect | Friedewald (1972) | Martin-Hopkins (2013) |
|---|---|---|
| Formula | LDL = CT − HDL − TG/5 | LDL = CT − HDL − TG/fator ajustável |
| TG Factor | Fixed: 5 (≈ mean VLDL) | Variable: 3.5–5.5 by TG level |
| Accuracy at high TG | Underestimates LDL when TG > 200 | Higher accuracy across all ranges |
| Validity | TG < 400 mg/dL | TG < 800 mg/dL |
| Clinical use | Historical global standard | Recommended by AHA/ACC for intermediate risk |
LDL Goals by Risk Level (AHA/ACC 2018)
| Cardiovascular Risk | LDL-C Goal | Non-HDL-C Goal | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | < 130 mg/dL | < 160 mg/dL | No risk factors |
| Moderate | < 100 mg/dL | < 130 mg/dL | 1–2 minor risk factors |
| High | < 70 mg/dL | < 100 mg/dL | Diabetes, severe HTN, CKD |
| Very High | < 55 mg/dL | < 85 mg/dL | Established CAD, prior stroke |