Target Number For Bad Cholesterol (LDL)?

— -- Question: I just had a first heart attack. What should be the target number when lowering my bad cholesterol?

Answer: Patients with a heart attack need to lower their LDL cholesterol to at least under 100 milligrams per deciliter. And many physicians today are using recent trial evidence at levels even lower; for instance under 70 milligrams per deciliter may be even better.

You need to work with your physician to determine whether under 100 or under 70 is the goal for your LDL, but let's get it down and reduce your risk.

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