What is the LDL goal in a patient with metabolic syndrome?

• A. <100 mg/dL
• B. <130 mg/dL
• C. <90 mg/dL
• D. <70 mg/dL

Answer: (D)

In metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular risk is elevated, so the goal is to lower LDL cholesterol as aggressively as possible to reduce that risk. For individuals at high risk, the target LDL is below 70 mg/dL. Reaching this typically requires high‑intensity statin therapy (for example, atorvastatin or rosuvastatin at higher doses) and may necessitate additional nonstatin therapies like ezetimibe or PCSK9 inhibitors if the goal isn’t reached with statins alone. Lifestyle changes that promote weight loss, physical activity, and a heart-healthy diet support this effort. While less stringent targets exist for lower-risk patients, the <70 mg/dL goal is chosen for those with metabolic syndrome to maximize cardiovascular risk reduction.