VLDL Cholesterol: Meaning and Ways to Improve It

VLDL cholesterol is one part of a blood lipid panel. VLDL means very-low-density lipoprotein, a particle made by the liver ³.

VLDL mainly moves triglycerides from the liver to body tissues ^1,3. Triglycerides are fats that can be stored for later energy use ¹.

VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides are closely linked. Labs often estimate VLDL cholesterol from the triglyceride result ^3,5.

High VLDL cholesterol can add to plaque inside artery walls ^1,3. This plaque process is called atherosclerosis ³.

Still, one result does not show your full heart risk. Clinicians also review LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and other risk factors ^2,4.

Understanding what VLDL cholesterol means and how it may be improved can guide your next steps. This article explains the test, possible causes, lifestyle changes, and medical care.

Fats need lipoproteins to move through the blood ⁵. Lipoproteins are particles made from fats and proteins ^4,5.

The liver makes VLDL and releases it into the bloodstream ^3,5. These particles mainly carry triglycerides to body tissues ³.

VLDL is the whole transport particle. VLDL cholesterol is the cholesterol carried inside that particle ⁵.

VLDL particles contain triglycerides, cholesterol, fatty acids, and apolipoprotein B ⁵. Apolipoprotein B is a type of protein found within these particles ⁵.

Most of the fat inside VLDL particles is triglyceride ⁵. For that reason, VLDL belongs to a group called triglyceride-rich lipoproteins ⁵.

VLDL and LDL carry different main loads. VLDL mainly carries triglycerides, while LDL mainly carries cholesterol ³.

Excess LDL can collect in blood vessels and raise heart disease risk ¹. Excess VLDL can also build up within blood vessels ¹.

HDL has a different role. It helps remove LDL from the blood ¹.

Both LDL and VLDL are atherogenic particles ^2,5. Atherogenic means that they can help form plaque inside arteries.

VLDL is not simply another name for LDL. Both results should be viewed as parts of the full lipid profile.

The body converts extra calories into triglycerides ^1,10. It stores those triglycerides in fat cells for later use ^1,10.

VLDL lets the liver send triglycerides through the bloodstream ³. The particles move these fats to other cells and tissues ¹.

VLDL particles contain mostly triglycerides, a form of fat, as well as cholesterol, fatty acids and apoB ⁵. These particles include intermediate-density lipoproteins and, later, LDL particles ⁵.

This process can leave cholesterol-rich remnant particles behind ⁵. Remnants are leftover parts of triglyceride-rich particles.

Some remnants can become trapped inside artery walls ⁵. They can then promote the growth of plaque ⁵.

A commonly cited normal VLDL range is 2 to 30 mg/dL ¹. The term mg/dL means milligrams per deciliter.

A VLDL level below 30 mg/dL is generally considered desirable ^3,4,5. Cleveland Clinic defines 30 mg/dL or higher as high VLDL cholesterol ⁵.

However, laboratory reference ranges can vary slightly ¹. Compare your result with the range shown on your report.

Your personal goal may depend on more than the VLDL number. Heart disease, diabetes, and other risk factors can affect cholesterol goals ⁴.

A result outside the stated range is not a diagnosis by itself. Ask your clinician to explain how it fits with your other results.

VLDL cholesterol is often calculated instead of measured directly ^3,5. The calculation uses the triglyceride result from the lipid panel ³.

In mg/dL, estimated VLDL is about one-fifth of the triglyceride level ^3,5. This rule can also be written as triglycerides divided by five.

For example, triglycerides of 100 mg/dL produce an estimate of 20 mg/dL. This example uses the calculation described by MedlinePlus ³.

The calculation may not work when triglycerides are very high ^3,5. A clinician may use another testing method in that situation ⁵.

A standard lipid panel includes several key results:

Non-HDL cholesterol can provide more information about harmful particles. It equals total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol ².

A lipid panel may be performed after fasting or without fasting ². Follow the ordering clinician’s directions rather than fasting on your own ^7,9,10.

When required, fasting often means having only water for 9 to 12 hours. Some cholesterol tests do not require fasting.

A fasting panel is advised after nonfasting triglycerides above 400 mg/dL ². It is also advised when high triglycerides are known or suspected ².

Alcohol and some medicines can affect lipid test results ¹. Pregnancy, infection, and certain medical conditions can also affect them ¹.

Before testing, share a complete list of medicines and supplements ¹. Do not stop or change any medicine without professional guidance ¹.

High cholesterol rarely causes symptoms. Excess blood fats may only be found through a blood test ⁶.

A lipid panel can help find high cholesterol and triglycerides ⁷. It also helps clinicians assess heart attack and stroke risk ⁷.

Symptoms cannot show whether a VLDL result is normal or high. Testing provides the values needed for a full review.

Excess VLDL and LDL can add to plaque inside artery walls ^3,5. Plaque contains fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other blood substances ³.

Over time, plaque can harden and narrow an artery ³. This can limit the flow of oxygen-rich blood ³.

VLDL remnants may also become trapped inside artery walls ⁵. These cholesterol-rich remnants can promote atherosclerosis ⁵.

Atherogenic particles include LDL, VLDL, lipoprotein(a), and remnants ². Dyslipidemia can involve high levels of these harmful particles ².

Dyslipidemia means that blood lipid levels are outside healthy ranges. Lifestyle habits and inherited traits can both affect this condition.

VLDL cholesterol is not the main treatment target by itself ⁵. Clinicians review LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and non-HDL cholesterol ².

They may also consider smoking, blood pressure, blood sugar, kidney disease, and age ². These details help show the person’s overall cardiovascular risk ².

For this reason, high VLDL cholesterol needs context. Ask how the value relates to your triglycerides and other cholesterol results.

High VLDL often reflects a high triglyceride level because VLDL carries triglycerides ³. Several habits, health conditions, medicines, and inherited traits can affect blood fats ^1,6.

The body changes extra calories into triglycerides ^1,10. It then stores those triglycerides in fat cells ^1,10.

Eating too many sweets is linked with high triglycerides. Drinking too much alcohol can also raise triglyceride risk.

Other linked factors include excess weight, smoking, and too little activity. These factors may occur together.

Changes in daily habits can address several factors at once. The goal is steady progress rather than a short, strict plan.

Several health issues can affect cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Examples supported by the available medical sources include:

The word familial means that a condition can run in families. Inherited lipid disorders may lead to high values at a younger age.

Some medicines can change cholesterol levels ⁶. The examples listed in the source include:

Do not assume that a medicine caused your result. Ask the prescriber to review your medicines and test findings.

Never stop a prescribed medicine before testing without professional advice ¹. The same rule applies to nonprescription products and supplements ¹.

Lowering triglycerides can lower estimated VLDL cholesterol ³. Weight loss, diet changes, exercise, and less alcohol may help ³.

The best plan should fit your health and daily routine. Small changes may be easier to continue than major short-term changes.

A heart-healthy diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and whole grains ². It also includes foods rich in fiber ².

Legumes include beans, peas, and lentils. These foods can take the place of some highly processed choices.

Guidance recommends replacing saturated and trans fats with unsaturated fats ². Unsaturated fats include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats ².

Ways to build a heart-healthy eating pattern include:

Fish can provide omega-3 fatty acids. Examples include salmon, mackerel, and herring.

Soluble fiber can reduce cholesterol absorption into the bloodstream. Sources include oatmeal, beans, apples, pears, and Brussels sprouts.

Reducing sugar can help lower VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides ³. This step may include cutting sugary drinks.

The body converts calories it does not need into triglycerides ¹. Those triglycerides are then stored for later use ¹.

Water can replace sugar-sweetened drinks. Fruit can also fit within a fiber-rich eating pattern ^2,8.

Food labels can help you compare similar products. Look for choices that support your long-term plan.

Alcohol can interfere with lipid test results ¹. Heavy alcohol use is linked with high triglycerides.

MedlinePlus advises cutting back on alcohol to help lower VLDL ³. Your clinician may suggest a plan based on your triglyceride level.

Do not start drinking alcohol for possible heart benefits. Available evidence does not support starting alcohol for that purpose.

Regular activity is part of lifelong care for dyslipidemia ². Guidance recommends more than 150 minutes of aerobic activity each week ².

The activity should be moderate to vigorous in intensity ². Aerobic activity includes movement that raises the heart rate.

Guidance also recommends resistance exercise on two days each week ². The exercises should involve both the upper and lower body ².

Ways to add more movement may include:

Exercise should match your health and ability. Ask a healthcare professional for guidance when health limits make activity uncertain.

Losing weight may help lower triglycerides and estimated VLDL ³. Extra weight can also raise cholesterol levels.

Weight management does not require changing everything at once. A few practical starting steps include:

Diet quality and activity also support heart health ². Focus on routines that can continue over time.

Smoking is a major cardiovascular risk factor ². Lifelong tobacco avoidance is advised to lower cardiovascular risk ².

Quitting smoking can improve HDL cholesterol. It also supports better heart health.

A clinician can help you discuss options for stopping tobacco. Choose support that fits your needs and daily life.

Discuss high VLDL cholesterol with a clinician. This is especially useful when triglycerides are also high.

Bring the complete lipid report to the visit. Also bring a list of medicines, supplements, and recent health changes.

Some people need medicine along with healthy habits ^3,8. Treatment depends on health, age, risk factors, and possible side effects.

Clinicians may use LDL and non-HDL goals to guide treatment ². They also consider the person’s overall cardiovascular risk ².

Diabetes and chronic kidney disease can affect decisions about cholesterol medicine ². Existing cardiovascular disease also changes treatment goals.

Medicine may target cholesterol, triglycerides, or both ^1,3. Treatment does not usually target the VLDL number alone ⁵.

If medicine is prescribed, take it as directed. Healthy habits can continue while the medicine is used.

Triglycerides of 500 mg/dL or higher are considered very high. Excess triglycerides are linked with inflammation of the pancreas ⁷.

A result in this range needs timely review by a clinician. The clinician can assess the result and choose an individual treatment plan.

Do not wait for symptoms before arranging that review. High blood lipid levels may not cause noticeable symptoms ^6,10.

Lipid testing can show how treatment affects cholesterol levels ^1,10. People taking cholesterol medicine may need regular testing.

Testing may also occur more often after an abnormal result. Your clinician should choose the timing.

Keep copies of your results for comparison. Record whether each test was fasting or nonfasting.

Tell the clinician about every medicine and supplement before testing ¹. Do not stop or change these products without professional advice ¹.

VLDL is a liver-made particle that mainly carries triglycerides ³. VLDL cholesterol is the cholesterol transported within that particle.

A common normal VLDL range is 2 to 30 mg/dL ¹. A value below 30 mg/dL is generally considered desirable ^3,4,5.

Labs often estimate VLDL by dividing triglycerides by five ^3,5. This calculation applies when both values use mg/dL.

The estimate may be inaccurate when triglycerides are very high ^3,5. Clinicians should therefore review the complete lipid profile and overall heart risk ².

Ways to improve VLDL include healthy eating, exercise, weight management, and less sugar ³. Cutting back on alcohol may also help lower triglycerides and VLDL ³.

Many people with dyslipidemia should get more than 150 weekly activity minutes ². Guidance also recommends resistance training on two days each week ².

Review high VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides with a clinician. Follow the testing and treatment plan designed for your health needs.