Definition: A LDL goal is an ideal level that your LDL cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol, levels should target. Having high LDL cholesterol levels have been linked to the development of heart disease. By keeping your LDL cholesterol as low as possible, you may be able to prevent heart disease.
Although LDL goals are established by the National Cholesterol Education Program, your healthcare provider will decide what your LDL goal should be. This decision is based upon the presence of risk factors you may have for heart disease, such as smoking, low HDL, family history of heart disease, gender, age, high blood pressure, and not living a healthy lifestyle.
