Assessing the "Bad" Cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein (
LDL) numbers measure the "bad"
cholesterol in the blood. LDLs carry most of the cholesterol in the blood, and this cholesterol is the main source of damaging buildup and blockage in the arteries. Thus, the more LDL cholesterol you have in your blood, the greater your risk of
heart disease.
|
LDL Cholesterol Level
|
LDL Cholesterol Category
|
|
Less than 100 mg/dL
|
Optimal
|
|
100-129 mg/dL
|
Near optimal/above optimal
|
|
130-159 mg/dL
|
Borderline high
|
|
160-189 mg/dL
|
High
|
|
190 mg/dL and above
|
Very high
|
This is not the complete story regarding LDL cholesterol numbers. Optimal numbers also take into account your risk for
heart disease.
The following table outlines the recommended LDL cholesterol numbers, based on your risk category.
|
If You Have
|
You Are in Category
|
And Your LDL Goal Is
|
Heart disease, diabetes, or a risk score higher than 20% |
I. Highest risk
|
Less than 100 mg/dL
|
|
Two or more risk factors and a risk score 10%-20%
|
II. Next highest risk
|
Less than 130 mg/dL
|
|
Two or more risk factors and a risk score lower than 10%
|
III. Moderate risk
|
Less than 130 mg/dL
|
|
One or no risk factors
|
IV. Low to moderate risk
|
Less than 160 mg/dL
|
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