According to NCEP goals, if CHD is present, the LDL-C target is:

• A. <100 mg/dL
• B. <129 mg/dL
• C. <159 mg/dL
• D. <70 mg/dL

Answer: (A)

In NCEP ATP III guidelines, LDL-C targets are set based on risk category. If coronary heart disease is present (or is a risk-equivalent condition), the goal is to reduce LDL-C to below 100 mg/dL. This level balances the benefit of lowering cholesterol with achievable therapy, given that lower LDL-C reduces recurrent heart events in people with established coronary disease. The other targets aren’t the standard NCEP goal for someone with CHD; 129 and 159 mg/dL are not tight enough for this high-risk group, and 70 mg/dL is a more aggressive target that some guidelines suggest for very high risk, but the classic ATP III recommendation for CHD is <100 mg/dL. Achieving this typically involves statin therapy and lifestyle changes, with therapy intensified as needed to reach the goal.