New Guidelines for Managing High Cholesterol Released by US Cardiologists
Top cardiologists in the US have issued updated guidelines for addressing high cholesterol, which can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes.
This new advice comes from experts at the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, replacing the previous guidelines from 2018.
The revisions emphasize earlier detection of high cholesterol, highlight lifestyle changes that can help lower cholesterol levels, and improve methods for assessing the risk of future heart attacks and strokes.
“By focusing on preventive measures earlier in life, we can profoundly influence the future trajectory of cardiovascular disease, leading to better health outcomes later on,” says cardiologist Seth Martin from Johns Hopkins.
Cholesterol, a waxy fat-like substance, plays a key role in producing cell membranes and hormones. It comes in two main types: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often labeled as ‘bad’ cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as ‘good’ cholesterol.
Excess LDL can lead to artery blockages, while low HDL levels are concerning, as this type helps to clear out excess LDL from the bloodstream.
The new guidelines include recommendations for early screenings, especially for individuals with a family history of heart issues or high cholesterol. They also propose personalized risk assessments and the option to start medications sooner for some patients.
The guidelines suggest clinicians begin using PREVENT (Predicting Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Events) scores to evaluate cardiovascular risk. Starting August 2025, these scores will also be used for individuals with high blood pressure.
Additionally, updated cholesterol thresholds are provided for healthcare professionals to assist in their evaluations.
As for general advice on keeping cholesterol in check, it remains consistent: maintain a healthy diet, engage in regular physical activity, keep a healthy weight, ensure adequate sleep, and avoid smoking.
These actions are foundational for managing cholesterol and other lipids. For some individuals, cholesterol-lowering medications may also be necessary.
“Lowering LDL cholesterol is crucial to minimizing the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and congestive heart failure,” remarks cardiologist Roger Blumenthal from Johns Hopkins.
He also points out that lowering high lipid levels and blood pressure in young adults promotes better heart health throughout their lives.
Currently, it’s estimated that one in four adults in the US has elevated LDL cholesterol, which is a significant contributor to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), a leading global cause of death.
The positive takeaway is that around 80% of cardiovascular conditions are believed to be preventable, so the situation can indeed improve with the application of these new guidelines.
In addition to these guidelines, experts have released a paper reviewing the latest insights into factors impacting heart disease risk, such as diabetes, alcohol consumption, and body fat levels.
They acknowledge the need for evolving recommendations as we gain a deeper understanding of health risks associated with factors like vaping and cannabis use, as well as refining definitions of obesity to improve heart health assessments.
In terms of treatments, ongoing research is yielding promising new drug candidates aimed at tackling cholesterol issues.
The team behind these guidelines hopes their recommendations will save more lives by equipping doctors with better tools to identify at-risk patients sooner.
“Implementing this updated guideline will be crucial for reducing the future burden of cardiovascular disease,” says Pamela Morris, a cardiologist at the Medical University of South Carolina. “Taking early action is essential since high cholesterol can start affecting heart disease risk during adolescence.”
The guidelines have been published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
