Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026

LDL Cholesterol Uptake Assay Using Live Cell Imaging Analysis with Cell Health Monitoring
Published on: November 17, 2018
LDL cholesterol: should guidelines include targets?
Subhash Banerjee1, Dhiman Kahali, Avantika Banerjee
1Veterans Affairs North Texas Healthcare System, Dallas, TX, USA.
Insights
Lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is key for cardiovascular health. This study analyzes evidence for intensive LDL-C reduction strategies and therapies, exploring benefits below current targets.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Lipid Metabolism
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Current guidelines recommend LDL-C lowering for reducing coronary heart disease and secondary events.
- Debate exists regarding optimal LDL-C targets and the potential benefits of lower thresholds.
Discussion:
- Critical analysis of evidence supporting target-based LDL-C lowering strategies.
- Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of intensive LDL-C reduction.
- Assessment of both traditional and novel therapeutic approaches for lowering LDL-C.
Key Insights:
- Intensive LDL-C lowering may offer benefits beyond current guideline targets.
- Novel therapies show promise in achieving significantly lower LDL-C levels.
- The optimal LDL-C threshold for cardiovascular risk reduction remains an active area of research.
Outlook:
- Further research is needed to establish definitive lower LDL-C thresholds.
- Clinical guidelines may evolve based on emerging evidence for intensive lipid-lowering therapies.
- Personalized treatment approaches considering individual risk profiles are likely to increase.
Abstract:
Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The strategy of target-based LDL-C lowering to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and secondary event rates is now well established. However, the strategy for treating to a target LDL-C, and whether there is a lower threshold level for LDL-C continues to be debated. We present, and critically analyze the evidence for a target-based LDL-C lowering strategy, and the safety and efficacy of intensive plasma LDL-C-lowering with traditional, and novel LDL-lowering therapies below current guideline targets.
Related Concept Videos
Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Considering cholesterol and...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
Atherosclerosis III: Management
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents

