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VLDL

Lipids Biomarker

Sample Needed

Collection Type: Blood

Body System

Related System: Lipids

Overview

Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) is a liver-produced lipoprotein that carries endogenous triglycerides and some cholesterol from the liver to peripheral tissues. A VLDL measurement (usually reported as VLDL–cholesterol or estimated from triglycerides) reflects the triglyceride-rich fraction of blood lipids. Elevated VLDL is associated with hypertriglyceridemia, increased atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk and, when very high, risk of acute pancreatitis. Indications for testing include routine lipid screening, chest pain or suspected heart disease, pancreatitis, unexplained xanthomas, or metabolic symptoms. VLDL levels vary with age, sex (men often higher), pregnancy, obesity, diabetes, alcohol intake and ethnicity.

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Test Preparation

No special preparation is required

Why Do I Need This Test

Which profile is the test included in: Lipid profile/panel.
Symptoms indicating testing: chest pain, premature cardiovascular disease, pancreatitis, tendon/skin xanthomas, or unexplained fatigue/weight changes with metabolic risk.
Conditions diagnosed/monitored: dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, diabetes control, pancreatitis risk assessment, cardiovascular risk stratification.
Reasons for abnormal levels: diet high in refined carbs/fats, alcohol, obesity, poorly controlled diabetes, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, certain medications, genetic dyslipidemias.
Biological meaning of abnormal values: high VLDL = excess circulating triglyceride-rich particles that promote atherosclerosis and inflammation; very high levels increase pancreatitis risk.
Low VLDL may reflect low triglyceride production or hypercatabolic states.
Behaviors/lifestyle causing abnormal values: high caloric intake, excessive alcohol, sedentary lifestyle, smoking.
Family history indicating need: familial hypertriglyceridemia, familial combined hyperlipidemia, premature coronary artery disease.

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Understanding Test Results

Values ≤30 mg/dL are generally considered normal (corresponding to triglycerides <150 mg/dL).
VLDL ~30–40 mg/dL (TG ~150–199 mg/dL) is borderline and linked to mildly increased cardiovascular risk.
VLDL ~40–100 mg/dL (TG ~200–499 mg/dL) is high and indicates significant dyslipidemia with greater atherosclerotic risk; further evaluation and lifestyle/medical management are usually indicated.
VLDL ≥100 mg/dL (TG ≥500 mg/dL) is very high and confers substantial risk of acute pancreatitis and requires urgent management.
Low VLDL (<2–5 mg/dL) is uncommon and can be seen with malnutrition, hyperthyroidism or certain genetic conditions; clinical correlation is needed.

Normal Range

2-30 mg/dL OR 0.05-0.78 mmol/L

FAQs

Q: What happens if VLDL is high?

A: High VLDL (very‑low‑density lipoprotein) raises blood triglycerides and promotes atherosclerotic plaque formation, increasing risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. It contributes to inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and production of small dense LDL particles. Severely elevated VLDL/triglycerides can cause pancreatitis. High VLDL is often linked to metabolic syndrome and needs lifestyle changes and medical management.

Q: How can I reduce my VLDL and LDL?

A: Lower VLDL and LDL by: eat a heart‑healthy diet cut saturated/trans fats and added sugars, boost soluble fiber (oats, beans), plant sterols, and healthy fats (olive oil, nuts); lose weight and do regular aerobic exercise; quit smoking and limit alcohol; control blood sugar and blood pressure; omega‑3s can lower triglyceride/VLDL; discuss statins or other lipid‑lowering drugs with your doctor.

Q: What is a normal level of VLDL?

A: Normal VLDL cholesterol is generally about 2–30 mg/dL (≈0.05–0.78 mmol/L). VLDL is often estimated from triglycerides (VLDL triglycerides 5 in mg/dL). Levels above this range suggest higher cardiovascular risk and may prompt lifestyle changes or medical review. Interpretation should be done with the full lipid profile and a clinician, as lab methods and units can vary.

Q: Is VLDL as bad as LDL?

A: VLDL and LDL both promote atherosclerosis, but in different ways. LDL carries cholesterol and is the primary driver of plaque; VLDL carries triglycerides and its remnants are also atherogenic. When triglycerides are high, VLDL-associated risk can be comparable to LDL’s. Treatment focuses on lowering LDL and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins with diet, exercise and medications when needed.

Q: Is a high VLDL good or bad?

A: High VLDL is bad. VLDL carries triglycerides and elevated levels promote plaque buildup, raising risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke and when very high pancreatitis. Causes include obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, high‑carbohydrate or excessive alcohol intake and some medical conditions. Lowering VLDL involves weight loss, exercise, better blood‑sugar control, dietary changes and medications when indicated; see your clinician.

Q: What are the precautions for VLDL cholesterol?

A: To lower VLDL and reduce cardiovascular risk, follow a heart-healthy diet—limit saturated/trans fats, added sugars and refined carbs; increase soluble fiber, omega‑3s and plant foods. Maintain healthy weight, do regular aerobic exercise, limit alcohol and quit smoking. Control diabetes and blood pressure. Take prescribed lipid-lowering medications and get regular lipid profile monitoring with your healthcare provider.