What total cholesterol level should be achieved for optimal cardiovascular health?

For optimal cardiovascular health, the total cholesterol level should ideally be below 200 mg/dL. Values higher than this threshold are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. A total cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL signifies that an individual is at a borderline high risk, prompting the need for lifestyle modifications or further assessment. The goal is to maintain cholesterol levels in a range that minimizes cardiovascular risk, effectively making 200 mg/dL an important benchmark for health professionals when evaluating and advising patients on heart health. Lower levels, such as 180 mg/dL or 150 mg/dL, may be more desirable, but 200 mg/dL represents the cutoff point for being at risk, hence it is recognized as the optimal target for maintaining cardiovascular health.