LDL Calculated
Calculates LDL based on total and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Note: the Friedewald formula is known to be inaccurate at extremely high triglyceride (>400 mg/dL) and total cholesterol levels. HDL cholesterol should not be higher than total cholesterol, review your entered values carefully.
If there is any question about accuracy of estimated LDL, a direct level should be measured.
Patients with elevated cholesterol may have success with diet and exercise, however those with other cardiovascular risk factors may require medication to reduce levels significantly.
LDL targets:
- “Very” high risk: guidelines suggest <70mg/dL may be a reasonable option, but data may suggest there is little incremental benefit to this extreme but with high associated cost.
- High risk: (known CAD, known other atherosclerotic disease, diabetes, etc): <100 mg/dL.
- Moderate risk: (>1 risk factor*): <130 mg/dL.
- Lower risk: (0-1 risk factors): <160 mg/dL.
From NCEP 2004 Guidelines.
*Risk factors include diabetes, cigarette smoking, HTN (BP 140/90 mm Hg or on antihypertensive medication), low HDL cholesterol (<40 mg/dL), and family history of premature CAD (CAD in male first-degree relative, or father <55 years, or female first-degree relative or mother <65 years).