A low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level of 119 mg/dL falls into a borderline range according to various health resources. Here’s a summary of the relevant information regarding your concern:

1. General Recommendations: LDL cholesterol should ideally be below 100 mg/dL, as levels above this can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Specifically, any level between 110 and 129 mg/dL is classified as borderline high, while levels above 130 mg/dL are considered high. This indicates that an LDL of 119 mg/dL is indeed on the higher end of the acceptable range and warrants attention, especially if you have additional risk factors such as heart disease or diabetes. These conditions may necessitate a target LDL level lower than 70 mg/dL (Cleveland Clinic; WebMD; Harvard Health).

2. Interpreting LDL Levels: According to the Cleveland Clinic, if you have a calculated risk greater than 20% for having a heart attack in the next decade, more aggressive treatment may be recommended to achieve lower LDL targets. The higher the LDL level, the greater your risk of coronary artery disease (Cleveland Clinic; MedlinePlus).

3. Monitoring and Management: It's important to discuss your LDL levels with a healthcare provider to understand what they mean for your overall health and cardiovascular risk. Factors like family history, lifestyle, and other health conditions will influence how your LDL level should be managed (URMC; Cleveland Clinic).

In summary, while an LDL of 119 mg/dL may not be alarmingly high, it is in a borderline range that suggests a need for further monitoring and possibly lifestyle adjustments or medical consultation to mitigate potential cardiovascular risks.

Sources

LDL Cholesterol: What It Is & How to Manage It - Cleveland ClinicLDL Cholesterol: Definition, Risks, and How to Lower It - WebMDCholesterol: Understanding Levels & Numbers - Cleveland ClinicSliding scale for LDL: How low should you go? - Harvard HealthLDL: The "Bad" Cholesterol - MedlinePlusLipid Panel with Non-HDL CholesterolCholesterol numbers are in! Here's what you should know.

Related Questions

How bad is 119 LDL cholesterol?

Should I take a statin if my LDL is 118?

Is 119 bad for cholesterol?