What is the target total cholesterol level?

What is the target total cholesterol level?

• A. Less than 200 mg/dL
• B. 200-239 mg/dL
• C. 240+ mg/dL
• D. 180-199 mg/dL

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that target total cholesterol is kept below 200 mg/dL. This threshold is labeled desirable because having a total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL is associated with a lower risk of plaque buildup in arteries and cardiovascular disease, especially when other risk factors are controlled. Total cholesterol is a sum of LDL, HDL, and VLDL, so lowering the total often reflects favorable changes in these components, particularly a lower LDL. Values in the 200-239 mg/dL range are considered borderline high and typically prompt lifestyle changes; 240 mg/dL or more is high risk and usually requires more aggressive management. While 180-199 mg/dL is also below 200 and thus acceptable, the guideline commonly cited for a target is simply to keep total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL.

The main idea is that target total cholesterol is kept below 200 mg/dL. This threshold is labeled desirable because having a total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL is associated with a lower risk of plaque buildup in arteries and cardiovascular disease, especially when other risk factors are controlled. Total cholesterol is a sum of LDL, HDL, and VLDL, so lowering the total often reflects favorable changes in these components, particularly a lower LDL. Values in the 200-239 mg/dL range are considered borderline high and typically prompt lifestyle changes; 240 mg/dL or more is high risk and usually requires more aggressive management. While 180-199 mg/dL is also below 200 and thus acceptable, the guideline commonly cited for a target is simply to keep total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL.