Very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs) are plasma proteins composed primarily of triglycerides and small amounts of cholesterol. The VLDLs transport triglycerides from the liver to the peripheral tissue.
The breakdown of VLDLs is a major source of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), which are cholesterol-rich plasma proteins. Increased levels of very-low-density lipoprotein is accompanied by increased levels of low-density lipoproteins .
Very-low-density lipoproteins are associated with atherosclerosis, but not to the same degree as low-density lipoproteins .
Low-density lipoprotein, a primary transporter of cholesterol, delivers and deposits the cholesterol into the peripheral tissues. Because of this function, LDLs are sometimes referred to as "bad" cholesterol and are associated with atherosclerosis, ASHD, and peripheral vascular disease.
Very-low-density lipoproteins are associated with atherosclerosis, but not to the same degree as low-density lipoproteins .
Low-density lipoprotein, a primary transporter of cholesterol, delivers and deposits the cholesterol into the peripheral tissues. Because of this function, LDLs are sometimes referred to as "bad" cholesterol and are associated with atherosclerosis, ASHD, and peripheral vascular disease.
The VLDL and LDL levels are mathematical calculations that utilize the total cholesterol, triglyceride, and HDL values. The VLDL is usually expressed as a percentage of the total blood cholesterol . The LDL is deter mined by subtracting the HDL minus one-fifth of the triglyceride level from the total cholesterol .
The VLDL and LDL levels can be calculated manually or as part of an automated lipid profile test.
Normal Range
Low-density lipoprotein
60-180 mg/dl
60-180 mg/dl
Very-low-density lipoprotein
25-50% of total cholesterol level
Variations from Normal. Elevated LDL levels increase the individual's risk for ASHD and peripheral vascular disease. Other diseases associated with increased LDLs include type IIA familial hyperlipidemia, multiple myeloma, hypothyroidism, kidney and liver syndromes, and diabetes.
Increased VLDL levels are primarily caused by type IV hyperlipidemia, a common form of increased lipoproteins that is sometimes familial. Type IV hyperlipidemia is also called endogenous hypertriglyceridemia. Other dis eases associated with elevated VLDDs include alcoholism, obesity, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal disease, and pancreatitis . A diet rich in fatty foods and animal fats may also elevate LDL and VLDL levels. Malnutrition and malabsorption syndromes will result in decreased LDL and VLDL levels.
Increased VLDL levels are primarily caused by type IV hyperlipidemia, a common form of increased lipoproteins that is sometimes familial. Type IV hyperlipidemia is also called endogenous hypertriglyceridemia. Other dis eases associated with elevated VLDDs include alcoholism, obesity, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal disease, and pancreatitis . A diet rich in fatty foods and animal fats may also elevate LDL and VLDL levels. Malnutrition and malabsorption syndromes will result in decreased LDL and VLDL levels.
Interfering Circumstances. Very-low-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein results can be altered by binge eating. Drugs that increase lipoprotein levels include oral contraceptives, estrogen, progestin, and steroids.
