What major health condition is represented by an LDL level greater than 190?

An LDL level greater than 190 mg/dL is generally indicative of a significantly elevated risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are a major contributor to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition where arteries become clogged with fatty deposits, leading to reduced blood flow. This process can culminate in various manifestations of coronary artery disease, including angina, myocardial infarction (heart attack), and other cardiovascular events.

In the context of patient risk assessment, an LDL cholesterol level above 190 is often used as a threshold for initiating more aggressive treatment strategies, such as high-intensity statin therapy or other lipid-lowering interventions, due to the strong correlation between high LDL levels and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recognizing this relationship is critical for healthcare providers in managing patients who present with dyslipidemia and assessing their cardiovascular risk to guide appropriate interventions.