Guidelines | Calculate LDL Targets | Individualizing Targets | Engage Your Health Care Team
The National Cholesterol Education Program has targeted lowering LDL cholesterol as the primary objective in cholesterol management. You can use the calculator below to determine the NCEPs recommendations based on your profile.
You should consider these recommendations as a starting point to build your own cholesterol management program. Many individuals with the support of their health care professionals are taking a more aggressive approach. A more aggressive approach may not only seek lower LDL levels, but it also may seek to elevate HDLs. As we now look beyond total cholesterol to LDL cholesterol to identify healthy cholesterol levels, many in the scientific community also believe a ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol (TC/HDL) may be as important.
A. Is your 10 year heart attack risk greater than 20%? (Click here to calculate) YesNo
B. Do you have an existing Cardiovascular Disease? (examples include prior heart attack, angina, prior stoke). YesNo
C. Do you have diabetes? YesNo
D. Do you Smoke? YesNo
E. Is your blood pressure 140/90 mmHg* or higher or do you take high blood pressure medication? YesNo
F. Do you have a family history of early heart disease (diagnosed in father or brother before age 55; diagnosed in mother or sister before age 65) YesNo
G. Are you a Man over 45 or a woman over 55? YesNo
H.1. Is your HDL cholesterol less then 40 mg/dL (low)?
H.2. Is your HDL cholesterol between 40 mg/dL and 60mg/dL (midrange)?
H.3. Is your HDL cholesterol greater then 60 mg/dL (high)?