LDL Peak Size
LDL peak size reports the diameter of the most common LDL particle in a sample, measured in angstroms. A peak size above roughly 263 Å indicates predominantly large buoyant LDL (Pattern A, lower risk), while smaller peak sizes signify small dense LDL (Pattern B, higher risk). It refines cardiovascular risk beyond standard LDL cholesterol.
Optimal range: who says what
Institutions, researchers and practitioners draw the line in different places. Each position is listed with who holds it and, where a document states it, a link. How we verify ranges.
- Institution or studyPattern A (large, buoyant)Particle-size research; the Pattern A/B classification comes from gradient gel studies of LDL subclass and heart attack riskThe size cutoff is method-dependent: gradient gel labs put Pattern A above roughly 258-263 Angstrom, the original research used 255, and NMR reports the same split as above 20.5 nm. Read the pattern your lab assigns, not a number from another method
- Lab reference interval>263 Å (Pattern A)What a lab report flags against. A lab interval is not an optimal target.
2 providers include this
Lipid Panel / Cardiovascular Health
Why LDL Peak Size matters
Larger peak size (>263 Å) indicates predominantly large buoyant LDL (Pattern A, lower risk). Smaller peak size indicates small dense LDL (Pattern B, higher risk). Useful for advanced cardiovascular risk stratification.
Which Providers Test LDL Peak Size?
Blueprint is both the cheapest ($365/year) and the most comprehensive (100+ biomarkers) panel that includes LDL Peak Size.
2 panels that include it, cheapest first
| Provider | Annual Cost | Total Biomarkers | $/Biomarker |
|---|---|---|---|
| $365 | 100+ | $3.65 | |
| $499 | 100+ | $4.99 |
$/Biomarker is annual cost divided by the panel's advertised biomarker count, not the price of this one test. We track 23 blood test providers (32 plans); 21 of those plans are itemized marker by marker. Compare all of them.
19 itemized panels do not include LDL Peak Size
Superpower · WHOOP Advanced Labs · Labcorp OnDemand · Life Extension Elite · Everlywell · Mito Health · InsideTracker · Function Health · Marek Health Base · Marek Health Comprehensive · Marek Health Complete · Marek Health Executive · Empirical Health · Oura Health Panels · SiPhox Health · Hims Labs · Healthspan · Vitality Blueprint Standard · Vitality Blueprint Elite
11 providers not itemized in our matrix
We have not itemized these marker by marker (some sell tests one at a time), so this page cannot say whether they offer LDL Peak Size. Check with them directly.
Life Extension Standard · Quest Health · Ultrahuman Blood Vision · Lifeforce · Hundred Health · Personalabs · Walk-In Lab · HealthLabs · WHOOP Specialized Panels · Marek Health Essential · Vitality Blueprint Upload
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the optimal range for LDL Peak Size?
Published position: Pattern A (large, buoyant) (Particle-size research; the Pattern A/B classification comes from gradient gel studies of LDL subclass and heart attack risk). Lab reference interval: >263 Å (Pattern A). That is what a lab report flags against, not an optimal target.
Which blood test providers include LDL Peak Size?
2 of the 21 blood testing panels we itemize marker by marker include LDL Peak Size in their panels. This biomarker has limited availability.
Related: YouBoost rates lifestyle and supplement interventions by evidence; HRV Zone tracks recovery trends.
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 Sep 5, 2026 · First published Mar 5, 2026