Which LDL cholesterol level is considered optimal?

An LDL cholesterol level of less than 100 mg/dL is considered optimal because it is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular events. LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, is often termed 'bad' cholesterol because high levels can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and heart-related complications.

Lowering LDL levels below 100 mg/dL is a common target in dietary and lifestyle interventions, as well as in medical guidelines for individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease. This benchmark is widely accepted in clinical practice, indicating that maintaining levels in this range contributes to better heart health and reduces the likelihood of severe cardiovascular issues.

In contrast, levels that are higher than 100 mg/dL indicate a progressively increasing risk, moving into what is defined as borderline high and high cholesterol categories, which can warrant dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, or medical interventions.