Question

Which of the following blood levels of LDL cholesterol would increase risk for cardiovascular disease?

-100 mg/dl or less
-30 mg/dl or less
-130-159 mg/dl
-over 160 mg/dl

Answer 1

A blood LDL cholesterol level over 160 mg/dl significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease as it can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the blood levels of LDL cholesterol presented, a level of over 160 mg/dl would increase the risk for cardiovascular disease. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad cholesterol" because it can lead to arterial plaque buildup and increase the likelihood of heart disease and stroke. While an LDL level below 100 mg/dl is considered optimal, anything above 160 mg/dl signifies a high risk. In contrast, higher levels of HDL ("good cholesterol") are beneficial as they help remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.