LDL Cholesterol

Yes, an LDL of 145 mg/dL is elevated. The desirable range is under 100 mg/dL, 100-129 is near-optimal, 130-159 is borderline high, and 145 sits in that borderline-high band. Whether it needs treatment depends on your overall cardiovascular risk, so review it with your physician rather than treating the number in isolation.

First steps are lifestyle-based: reduce saturated and trans fats, increase fiber and unsaturated fats, exercise, and lose visceral fat if applicable. Your doctor will weigh the value against your other risk factors (family history, blood pressure, ApoB, existing disease) and may consider a statin, especially if you are higher risk. Rule out contributors like an underactive thyroid, and recheck after a few months of changes.

Desirable LDL is under 100 mg/dL, and under 70 mg/dL is often the target for high-risk men. The American Heart Association considers any value above 100 elevated, with 130-159 borderline high and 160 or above high. Optimal targets are individualized to your total cardiovascular risk.

Injectable testosterone replacement usually has a neutral to slightly negative effect on LDL, unlike oral testosterone derivatives and anabolic steroids, which can worsen lipids substantially. If your LDL rises meaningfully on TRT, it is managed the same way as in anyone else: diet, lifestyle, and a statin if warranted. Discuss any significant change with your prescriber.