What is the target LDL level?

• A. Less than 70 mg/dL
• B. Less than 100 mg/dL
• C. Less than 130 mg/dL
• D. Less than 160 mg/dL

Answer: (B)

LDL cholesterol is the “bad” cholesterol that can build up in artery walls and promote atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. The target is to keep this LDL level low enough to reduce that risk. Keeping LDL under 100 milligrams per deciliter is a common goal because it lowers the amount of cholesterol circulating in the blood and slows or prevents plaque formation, especially for people with risk factors like smoking, diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of heart disease. A level under 100 mg/dL provides a good balance of risk reduction for most patients. Levels under 70 mg/dL are more aggressive targets used for people with very high risk or established cardiovascular disease, while targets of under 130 mg/dL or under 160 mg/dL would leave more LDL in the blood and offer less protection.