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Aug. 31, 2026

What is VLDL cholesterol—and why it matters for your heart health

Snehal Kolhe, MD

Medically reviewed by:
Snehal Kolhe, MD

High VLDL cholesterol can be effectively treated with healthy lifestyle changes, especially when caught early on.

Keeping your cholesterol in check can help you reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.1

Many doctors suggest monitoring your LDL levels closely because LDL cholesterol promotes plaque buildup in the arteries.1 But watching your VLDL levels is just as important, as high levels of this cholesterol type may also lead to plaque buildup.2

Here’s what you need to know about VLDL cholesterol and the important role it plays in your health.

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What is VLDL cholesterol?

VLDL stands for very-low-density lipoprotein.2 Its composition is roughly 90% lipids and 10% proteins.3 VLDL is highly similar to LDL cholesterol, except it carries triglycerides to your tissues instead of cholesterol.

VLDL is made by the liver and released into the bloodstream. Like LDL, it is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. Too much VLDL can lead to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries).2 Over time, plaque buildup can narrow your arteries and reduce the flow of healthy, oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.

There is no direct way to measure only your VLDL levels, which is why you may not have heard much about this cholesterol type. Many times, doctors use your triglycerides level to estimate your VLDL. VLDL levels usually equate to about one-fifth of your triglyceride level.2

VLDL vs LDL vs HDL: what’s the difference?

VLDL, LDL and HDL are all various forms of cholesterol. Knowing their differences can help you make the best possible health choices.

VLDL cholesterol

This type of cholesterol is responsible for transporting triglycerides to your tissues. Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood that your body uses for energy.1

Like LDL cholesterol, VLDL can raise your risk for plaque buildup in the arteries if you have too much circulating in your bloodstream.2

LDL cholesterol

LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein. It is typically known as “bad” cholesterol.1 High levels of LDL can also lead to plaque buildup and increase the risk for heart disease and stroke.

A healthy and optimal LDL level is around 100 mg/dL.1 High LDL levels can often be managed and treated by changing your diet. Eating fewer foods high in saturated fats can reduce your LDL levels, as can reducing your salt and alcohol intake.4

HDL cholesterol

HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein. It is known as “good” cholesterol. HDL transports cholesterol from other parts of the body back to your liver, which then removes it from your body.1

High levels of HDL offer protection against heart disease and stroke.1 Men should aim for an optimal HDL level of at least 40 mg/dL, while women should aim for a level of at least 50 mg/dL.1

If your HDL level is too low, try eating more healthy fats to raise it to a normal level. Avocados, olive oil and nuts are examples of foods loaded with healthy fats that support healthy HDL levels.5

What is a normal VLDL level?

A normal VLDL level is less than 30 mg/dL. A VLDL level higher than that may increase your risk for heart disease and stroke.2

Optimal triglyceride levels are considered less than 150 mg/dL.1 Because it is not possible to measure your VLDL directly, try aiming for a healthy triglycerides level.2

What causes high VLDL cholesterol?

High VLDL is caused by many of the same factors that drive high triglycerides.2

Causes and risk factors associated with high VLDL include6:

  • Lack of exercise
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Eating more calories than what you’re burning off
  • Eating lots of foods high in sugar
  • Smoking
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Certain medications
  • Certain genetic disorders, such as type IV familial dyslipidemia7
  • Thyroid diseases
  • Liver or kidney disease
  • Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (chronically high blood sugar levels)

Addressing some of these factors directly can often lower high VLDL levels. If your VLDL is being caused by a non-modifiable risk factor (such as a genetic disorder), your doctor can work with you to find solutions that can bring it down to a normal level.

Why high VLDL is a concern (especially after 65)

Heart disease and stroke are among the most serious complications associated with high VLDL.2 Older adults are already at high risk for these conditions. Therefore, high VLDL often becomes a major concern in this population.8

Many older adults also meet several risk factors for high VLDL. For instance, older adults tend to be less active when they have other health conditions that make certain activities difficult.

Diabetes is another major risk factor for high VLDL among older adults. Diabetes affects an estimated 33% of adults aged 65 and older. This puts them at higher risk for related complications, including kidney failure and heart disease.9

If you are over the age of 65, ask your doctor about your risk for high VLDL. Your doctor can review your medications and check your triglycerides to measure your VLDL cholesterol.

If high VLDL is a concern, your doctor can work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that can bring your level down.

How to lower VLDL cholesterol

The best way to lower VLDL cholesterol is to focus on changing any behaviors that may be contributing to it. For instance, drinking less alcohol or quitting smoking may help.

Other steps you can take to lower VLDL:

  • Exercise regularly. Exercise can help you achieve or maintain a healthy weight. It also lowers cholesterol and high blood pressure naturally. Aim to do at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise every week.10
  • Lose excess weight. Excess weight can interfere with your body’s ability to remove “bad” cholesterol from the bloodstream. Your doctor can talk to you about effective and safe ways to lose weight based on your health status.
  • Monitor your calorie intake. Daily calorie needs are often based on age, sex and activity level. For instance, an inactive 20-year old male typically needs 2,600 calories a day. On the other hand, an active 45-year-old woman needs about 2,200 calories a day.11 Try reducing your calorie intake if you’re taking in far more than you need based on these factors.
  • Don’t smoke. Smoking makes your arteries harden at a faster rate. It also increases your risk for heart disease.10 If you smoke and need help quitting, ask your doctor about treatments that can help.
  • Drink less alcohol. Alcohol can raise your triglycerides and cholesterol levels.10 Limit yourself to no more than two drinks a day if you’re a man and one drink a day if you’re a woman.4
  • Eat fewer saturated fats. Saturated fats are often high in cholesterol. They can raise your triglycerides, LDL and VLDL levels.10 Try eating less cheese, fatty meats and dairy-based desserts, such as ice cream.4
  • Eat more high-fiber foods. Foods high in fiber can often boost your HDL cholesterol while reducing “bad” cholesterol.10 Good examples include oats, beans, avocados and nuts.4
  • Eat fewer added sugars. High amounts of sugar can spike your “bad” cholesterol levels and contribute to weight gain. Swap sugary sweets for fruit, or eat snacks made with honey and other natural sweeteners.
  • Manage diabetes. If you have diabetes, try to keep your blood sugar at a normal level at all times. High blood sugar can damage your arteries and blood vessels, increasing your risk of high cholesterol.

When to talk to your doctor

High cholesterol doesn’t produce symptoms. Many people do not realize their cholesterol is high until they develop health problems.12

Ask your doctor how often you should have your cholesterol levels checked. Healthy adults typically have their cholesterol checked every four to six years.12 You may need it checked more often if you have diabetes, heart disease or a family history of high cholesterol.

A cholesterol test will check your levels of triglycerides, LDL, HDL and total cholesterol.12 Because this test does not check your VLDL levels directly, your doctor will calculate this reading using your triglyceride level.

FAQ

Is VLDL the same as triglycerides?

No, VLDL cholesterol is not the same as triglycerides. Triglycerides are a type of fat the body uses for energy. VLDL cholesterol is the cholesterol that carries triglycerides to your tissues.1

Can you lower VLDL naturally?

Yes, it is possible to lower VLDL cholesterol naturally by changing certain lifestyle behaviors. Exercising regularly, eating high-fiber foods and drinking less alcohol are examples of ways to lower VLDL naturally.4, 10

Is high VLDL dangerous?

Yes, high VLDL can be dangerous due to the way it increases your risk for heart disease and stroke.2 High VLDL can be particularly serious for older adults and for people with comorbid conditions such as diabetes.

How fast can VLDL levels improve?

The speed at which you can improve VLDL levels depends on factors such as your age, activity level and comorbid conditions. For instance, it may take older adults longer to improve their VLDL if other health conditions prevent them from being mobile and active. Your doctor can provide you with an accurate timeline based on your overall health.

Conclusion

High VLDL cholesterol can be effectively treated with healthy lifestyle changes, especially when caught early on.

Our doctors and care teams listen closely, focus on what matters to you and partner with you to support your overall well-being — helping you live your healthiest life. Find a doctor

Ask your doctor about cholesterol screening at your next appointment. Your doctor can determine how often testing is needed. Your provider can also discuss in greater detail the importance of managing VLDL cholesterol.

Contact WellMed today at (888) 781-WELL or visit our website to find a doctor near you.

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