LDL calculation is not possible when triglycerides are high due to presence of chylomicrons.

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LDL calculation is not possible when triglycerides are high due to presence of chylomicrons.

LDL-C is typically calculated with the Friedewald equation, which estimates VLDL-C as triglycerides divided by 5 and assumes a negligible contribution from chylomicrons in fasting samples. When triglycerides are high due to the presence of chylomicrons, that TG/5 estimate of VLDL-C becomes inaccurate, so the LDL-C calculation is unreliable and essentially not applicable. In such cases, direct measurement of LDL-C or alternative methods are preferred.

LDL-C is typically calculated with the Friedewald equation, which estimates VLDL-C as triglycerides divided by 5 and assumes a negligible contribution from chylomicrons in fasting samples. When triglycerides are high due to the presence of chylomicrons, that TG/5 estimate of VLDL-C becomes inaccurate, so the LDL-C calculation is unreliable and essentially not applicable. In such cases, direct measurement of LDL-C or alternative methods are preferred.

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