There is no consensus on how to define very low LDL cholesterol, but LDL would be considered very low if it is less than 40 milligrams per deciliter of blood. Although the risks are rare, very low levels of LDL cholesterol may be associated with an increased risk of: Cancer Hemorrhagic stroke Depression Anxiety

Therefore, an extremely low LDL by itself does not appear to be dangerous in these unusual cases. Study suggests lower LDL cholesterol is better A recent meta-analysis published in JAMA Cardiology suggests that it is both safe and effective to lower LDL below 70 mg/dL.

Hypocholesterolemia is an extremely low level of both LDL and total cholesterol. Experts have found evidence that hypocholesterolemia can have negative effects, but much more research is needed.

A screening lipid profile sometimes reveals an unexpectedly low value for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The cause of the low value may either be genetic or acquired. Low LDL is defined as LDL-C <5 th percentile or LDL-C <50 mg/dL (or 1.29 mmol/L). Some would call this hypocholesterolemia.