IDL Cholesterol Unit Converter

IDL cholesterol measures the cholesterol carried by intermediate-density lipoprotein particles in your blood. These particles are a transitional form created when very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) shed their triglycerides.

Once formed, about half of IDL particles are cleared from the bloodstream by the liver. The remaining particles are further broken down by hepatic lipase into LDL cholesterol. IDL sits between VLDL and LDL in both size and density.

Like LDL and VLDL, IDL is considered pro-atherogenic, meaning it can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries. In standard lipid panels, IDL cholesterol is typically included within the calculated LDL cholesterol value rather than reported separately.

IDL particles form in the bloodstream when lipoprotein lipase removes triglycerides from VLDL particles at capillary surfaces in muscle and fat tissue. The liver produces the original VLDL particles and is also responsible for clearing about half of the resulting IDL from circulation.