Identification

• You cannot tell if your LDL levels are becoming dangerously low by feel. Cholesterol levels must be accurately determined by having a cholesterol blood test performed by a physician.
  
  

Risks: Cancer

• According to research conducted by the National Institutes of Health, excessively low LDL cholesterol levels have been linked to an increase of certain types of cancers, particularly lung cancer.
  
  

Risks: Depression

• Duke University researchers have found evidence that cholesterol levels that are too low may alter brain function and cause depression in previously healthy men and women.
  
  

Risks: Pregnant Women

• Pregnant women with insufficient LDL cholesterol levels are at risk for premature birth and low birth weight, according to the Mayo Clinic.
  
  

Risk Factors

• Individuals taking prescription medication to lower cholesterol are in danger of having extremely low LDL levels as an unwanted side effect. Low levels may also be caused by a genetic condition that prevents the body from manufacturing appropriate levels of LDL.
  
  

Expert Insight

• Total blood cholesterol should be between 100 and 200mg per deciliter. Ideally, 60mg per deciliter should be HDL cholesterol, with the remainder being LDL.