From the patient lipoprotein data, which parameter is within guideline target (<130 mg/dL) for LDL cholesterol?

From the patient lipoprotein data, which parameter is within guideline target (<130 mg/dL) for LDL cholesterol?

• A. Total cholesterol 272 mg/dL
• B. HDL cholesterol 30 mg/dL
• C. LDL cholesterol 102 mg/dL
• D. Triglycerides 250 mg/dL

Answer: (C)

LDL cholesterol is the primary lipid parameter used for guideline targets because lowering it most effectively reduces cardiovascular risk. Here, the LDL value is 102 mg/dL, which is below the specified target of <130 mg/dL, so it is within guideline target. The other values show other lipid issues—total cholesterol is high at 272 mg/dL, HDL is low at 30 mg/dL, and triglycerides are elevated at 250 mg/dL—but they do not indicate the targeted LDL level.

LDL cholesterol is the primary lipid parameter used for guideline targets because lowering it most effectively reduces cardiovascular risk. Here, the LDL value is 102 mg/dL, which is below the specified target of <130 mg/dL, so it is within guideline target. The other values show other lipid issues—total cholesterol is high at 272 mg/dL, HDL is low at 30 mg/dL, and triglycerides are elevated at 250 mg/dL—but they do not indicate the targeted LDL level.