The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) develops guidelines that recommend specific goals for LDL cholesterol levels based on specific risk factors for heart attack and heart disease, such as a family history of heart attacks or smoking. To find out your risk for heart disease and your LDL cholesterol goal, begin by answering the questions below.

Once your cholesterol goal is set, you and your doctor can put together a plan that includes changes to your diet and exercise routine, and, if needed, a cholesterol-lowering medicine.

The information on this web site should not take the place of talking with your doctor about how to manage and treat your high cholesterol. If you have any questions about your condition, talk to your doctor.

Note: This LDL Goal Calculator is based on the Framingham Point System, as adapted by the NCEP Adult Treatment Panel III Report (2001).

Has your doctor told you that you have heart disease or diabetes?