What does it mean if low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is elevated?

Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels may be caused by various factors. Non-disease-related factors such as aging, unhealthy lifestyle (high-fat, high-cholesterol diet), pregnancy, medication effects (e.g., diuretics, antipsychotics), and genetic factors (e.g., familial hypercholesterolemia) can all contribute to increased levels. Disease-related factors such as hypertension, nephrotic syndrome, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, and atherosclerosis may also lead to elevated LDL-C. These conditions can increase LDL-C levels by affecting cholesterol metabolism or the body's overall metabolic state. For this condition, timely medical consultation is recommended to identify the specific cause, and appropriate adjustments and treatments should be undertaken under a physician's guidance.