Final answer:
Hypercholesterolemia in a 20-year-old refers to blood cholesterol levels above 200 mg/dL. Maintaining lower LDL levels and higher HDL levels is crucial for reducing heart disease risk, and lifestyle changes can help manage cholesterol levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The diagnostic term Hypercholesterolemia refers to a blood condition with an elevated level of cholesterol, which means a level of cholesterol above the normal range. According to the information provided, healthy total blood cholesterol should be maintained under 200 mg/dL. Therefore, the correct answer to what constitutes a cholesterol level above the normal range for a 20-year-old is c) 200 mg/dL.
This finding is supported by the details that while young adults average about 170 mg of cholesterol per 100 mL of blood, higher levels can increase the risk of heart disease. The relevant statistics emphasize the importance of managing cholesterol levels, considering LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol). The goal is to have low LDL levels and higher HDL levels to reduce heart disease risk. Moreover, lifestyle modifications like diet changes and increased physical activity can also help improve cholesterol levels and manage hypercholesterolemia effectively.