Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a key biomarker for assessing cardiovascular risk and guiding lipid-lowering therapy. Often referred to as “bad cholesterol,” elevated LDL levels are associated with the development of atherosclerosis, which can lead to coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. Calculated LDL using the Friedewald formula remains a standard method in clinical practice because it is cost-effective and requires no additional testing beyond a routine lipid panel.

This calculation is most accurate when the patient is fasting and triglycerides are within the normal range. While it offers convenience, certain conditions such as hypertriglyceridemia, very low LDL levels, or non-fasting samples can limit its reliability. In such cases, direct LDL measurement or other advanced lipid testing methods are preferred. The LDL-C value plays a central role in clinical guidelines for initiating lifestyle modifications, statin therapy, and other lipid-lowering strategies. By providing a quick and inexpensive estimate of LDL cholesterol, the calculated method supports timely cardiovascular risk assessment and evidence-based decision-making in both primary and secondary prevention settings.