What Could be Causing Elevated LDL Cholesterol Level?

What Causes Elevated LDL Cholesterol Level?

Elevated LDL cholesterol level can have various causes, just like most other symptoms. Finding the true cause means ruling out or confirming each possibility – in other words, diagnosis.

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Diagnosis is usually a complex process due to the sheer number of possible causes and related symptoms. In order to diagnose elevated LDL cholesterol level, we could:

Research the topic
Find a doctor with the time
Use a diagnostic computer system.

The process is the same, whichever method is used.

Step 1: List all Possible Causes

We begin by identifying the disease conditions which have "elevated LDL cholesterol level" as a symptom. Here are three possibilities:

Atherosclerosis
High LDL/HDL Ratio
Heart Disease

Step 2: Build a Symptom Checklist

We then identify all possible symptoms and risk factors of each possible cause, and check the ones that apply:

very low HDL cholesterol level

mild epigastric discomfort

high air pollution exposure

no vitamin E supplementation

major unexplained weight loss

being postmenopausal

being highly motivated

appendix removed before age 20

undigested fat in stools

4-6 years at 120-180 blood sugar

very angry/hostile disposition

a suspicious nature

... and more than 40 others

Step 3: Rule Out or Confirm each Possible Cause

A differential diagnosis of your symptoms and risk factors finds the likely cause of elevated LDL cholesterol level:

Cause	Probability	Status
Atherosclerosis	97%	Confirm
High LDL/HDL Ratio	18%	Unlikely
Heart Disease	2%	Ruled out

* This is a simple example to illustrate the process

Arriving at a Correct Diagnosis

The Analyst™ is our online diagnosis tool that learns all about you through a straightforward process of multi-level questioning, providing diagnosis at the end.

If you indicate having had recent lab tests, The Analyst™ will ask further questions including this one:

Cholesterol, LDL. What is your fasting LDL cholesterol level? Unit: mg/dL [mmol/L]

Possible responses:

→ Don't know
→ Under 100 [2.59] (normal/optimal)
→ 100 to 130 [2.59-3.38] (borderline high)
→ 131 to 160 [3.39-4.14] (high)
→ Over 160 [4.14] (very high)

Based on your response to this question, which may indicate optimal LDL cholesterol level, slightly high LDL cholesterol level, high LDL cholesterol level or very high LDL cholesterol level, The Analyst™ will consider possibilities such as:

Atherosclerosis

LDL/HDL Ratio, High

... and also rule out issues such as:

Atherosclerosis

Coronary Disease / Heart Attack

Concerned or curious about your health? Try The Analyst™