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LDL Goals & Risk Factors

Cholesterol is an important factor in heart health that can lead to a variety of health concerns if not kept in check. Blood cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood in two separate categories, high- and low-density lipoprotein. While high-density lipoprotein, known as HDL, is considered "good" cholesterol whose blood levels should not drop too low, low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is known as "bad" cholesterol that should not get too high. Knowing the healthy goals for LDL levels and the associated risk factors will help you keep control of your health.

  1. Healthy LDL Levels

    • According to the American Heart Association website, the optimal level of LDL is 100 mg/dL or less. The goals for individual LDL cholesterol levels depend on the health of the person.

      People with one or fewer risk factors for heart disease and stroke who do not currently have heart disease or diabetes should maintain an LDL of less than 160 mg/dL. Those without heart disease or diabetes who have two or more risk factors should set an LDL cholesterol goal of 130 mg/dL or lower. Those with coronary heart disease or diabetes should maintain an LDL level of less than 100 mg/dL.

    High Risk Factors

    • Some factors pose a risk to the health of those with high cholesterol levels. According to the Mayo Clinic website, those who have had a previous heart attack, who have artery blockages in the neck or blockages in the arteries in the extremities are considered very high risk and should maintain an LDL level of 70 mg/dL or lower.

    Other Risk Factors

    • Many other risk factors for heart disease and stroke should act as a signal to keep low-density lipoprotein levels low. Of the many risk factors, anyone who has two or more of them should consider himself or herself in the high-risk category and do what is necessary to lower his LDL blood cholesterol.

      Those who smoke cigarettes are at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. If you have high blood pressure, this is also a risk factor associated with heart disease and stroke, according to the Mayo Clinic website.

      Having low HDL cholesterol, meaning a tested level of less than 60 mg/dL, increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. The presence of diabetes and a family history of heart disease at an early age are also risk factors.

      Age is an automatic risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Men over the age of 45 and women over the age of 55 are more at risk for these problems that those who are younger.

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