What is the target value for total cholesterol in lipid management goals for CAD risk factor modification?

• A. Total cholesterol <200 mg/dL
• B. Total cholesterol <240 mg/dL
• C. Total cholesterol <180 mg/dL
• D. Total cholesterol >200 mg/dL

Answer: (A)

In lipid management for reducing CAD risk, the total cholesterol target is to keep it in the desirable range, which is below 200 mg/dL. This threshold helps ensure overall cholesterol burden is kept low and is used to guide lifestyle changes and therapy.

Context matters: total cholesterol is the sum of LDL, HDL, and VLDL cholesterol, and higher totals are associated with greater atherosclerotic risk. Clinically, values are categorized as Desirable (<200 mg/dL), Borderline high (200–239 mg/dL), and High (≥240 mg/dL). While clinicians focus particularly on lowering LDL-C to specific targets based on risk, aiming for a total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL remains a straightforward, widely used goal for overall risk reduction.