LDL Particle Number
Total number of LDL particles;more accurate risk assessment
4 providers include this
Lipid Panel / Cardiovascular Health
Optimal:<1000 nmol/L, Moderate risk:1000-1299 nmol/L, High risk:≥1300 nmol/L
What is LDL Particle Number?
LDL Particle Number (LDL-P) measures the actual number of LDL particles in your blood, rather than the cholesterol content within those particles (which is what standard LDL-C measures). This distinction is crucial because particles cause atherosclerosis, not cholesterol per se. Measured via Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy or ion mobility analysis, LDL-P provides a direct particle count, expressed in nanomoles per liter (nmol/L).
LDL-P is particularly valuable because two people with identical LDL cholesterol levels can have vastly different particle numbers. Someone with many small cholesterol-poor particles will have high LDL-P despite moderate LDL-C, while someone with fewer large cholesterol-rich particles will have lower LDL-P. The patient with higher LDL-P faces significantly greater cardiovascular risk, as more particles mean more opportunities for atherosclerotic plaque formation.
Research consistently demonstrates that LDL-P predicts cardiovascular events better than LDL-C, particularly in metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and situations where LDL-C and LDL-P are discordant. When LDL-C and LDL-P disagree, LDL-P more accurately reflects true cardiovascular risk. Many advanced lipidology and longevity medicine practices now prioritize LDL-P or ApoB (which closely correlates with LDL-P) over traditional LDL-C for risk assessment and treatment monitoring.
Why LDL Particle Number Is Essential
- Direct count of atherogenic particles, superior to cholesterol measurement
Optimal vs Standard Ranges
Optimal (Longevity)<700 nmol/L▼
Lowest cardiovascular risk with minimal atherogenic particle count.
Good (Standard)700-1000 nmol/L▼
Acceptable for low-moderate CVD risk individuals.
Very Low<500 nmol/L▼
Very low particle count;typically not concerning.
Elevated>1000 nmol/L▼
Increased atherogenic risk even if LDL-C appears normal.
Scientific Evidence
LDL-P in Metabolic Syndrome
Research demonstrating that LDL-P is particularly valuable in metabolic syndrome and diabetes, where high triglycerides and insulin resistance cause LDL-C to underestimate particle number and cardiovascular risk.
Source:Mora et al., "LDL Particle Number and CVD Risk in the Women's Health Study,"JAMA, 2007 (PubMed)
Treatment Response and LDL-P
Studies showing that monitoring LDL-P during lipid-lowering therapy identifies patients with inadequate particle reduction despite achieving LDL-C goals, allowing for therapy intensification and better risk reduction.
Small Dense LDL Particles
Research confirming that small dense LDL particles are particularly atherogenic, and that both total LDL-P and small LDL-P independently predict cardiovascular events, supporting advanced lipoprotein testing.
Source:Hoogeveen et al., "Small Dense LDL-C Concentrations Predict Risk for CVD,"Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, 2014
Source:
Which Providers Test LDL Particle Number?
Full Provider Comparison
| Provider | Includes | Annual Cost | Biomarkers |
|---|---|---|---|
 Superpower | ✓ | $199 | 100+ (150 with ratios) |
 WHOOP Advanced Labs | — | $349 | 65 |
 Labcorp OnDemand | — | $398 | 30+ |
| — | $486 | 40+ | |
| — | $444 | 288 | |
| — | $349 | 100+ | |
| — | $761 | 54 | |
 Function Health | ✓ | $365 | 160+ |
| — | $250 | 65 | |
| — | $495 | 70+ | |
| — | $895 | 100+ | |
| — | $1950 | 150+ | |
| — | $375 | 80+ | |
| — | $Varies | 75+ | |
| — | $190 | 100+ | |
| — | $99 | 50 | |
| — | $124 | 60 | |
| — | $199 | 50 | |
| ✓ | $499 | 120+ | |
| ✓ | $4188 | 70-80+ | |
| — | $375 | 85 | |
| — | $700 | 128 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LDL Particle Number?
Total number of LDL particles;more accurate risk assessment
What is the optimal range for LDL Particle Number?
The standard reference range for LDL Particle Number is Optimal:<1000 nmol/L, Moderate risk:1000-1299 nmol/L, High risk:≥1300 nmol/L. Optimal ranges may differ based on individual health goals and expert recommendations.
Which blood test providers include LDL Particle Number?
4 out of 22 blood testing providers include LDL Particle Number in their panels. This biomarker has limited availability.
What category does LDL Particle Number fall under?
LDL Particle Number is categorized under Lipid Panel / Cardiovascular Health. This category includes biomarkers that help assess related aspects of health and wellness.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
Last reviewed:2026-02-20