Total cholesterol levels should be kept below what value to reduce cardiovascular risk?

Total cholesterol levels should be kept below what value to reduce cardiovascular risk?

• A. over 200 mg/dL
• B. under 150 mg/dL
• C. under 200 mg/dL
• D. over 240 mg/dL

Answer: (C)

Targeting a total cholesterol level below 200 mg/dL reduces cardiovascular risk because it indicates fewer cholesterol-rich lipoproteins circulating that can deposit in arterial walls and promote plaque formation. In adults, under 200 mg/dL is considered desirable, while higher values—200–239 mg/dL (borderline high) and 240 mg/dL or more (high)—are associated with greater risk. Remember, total cholesterol is only part of the picture; the balance of LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, along with other risk factors, also shapes overall cardiovascular risk.

Targeting a total cholesterol level below 200 mg/dL reduces cardiovascular risk because it indicates fewer cholesterol-rich lipoproteins circulating that can deposit in arterial walls and promote plaque formation. In adults, under 200 mg/dL is considered desirable, while higher values—200–239 mg/dL (borderline high) and 240 mg/dL or more (high)—are associated with greater risk. Remember, total cholesterol is only part of the picture; the balance of LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, along with other risk factors, also shapes overall cardiovascular risk.