04/02/2026
❤️ New 2026 Cholesterol Screening Guidelines
Heart disease is still the #1 cause of death, but new 2026 cardiovascular guidelines are focusing on catching cholesterol problems earlier than ever before.
Here are some key updates you should know:
🩺 Screening is starting earlier.
New guidelines recommend lipid profiling in adults starting at age 19 years. The panel should be repeated at least every 5 years for young adults and more frequently for those with additional ASCVD risk factors. As for lipid-lowering therapy, the guidelines advise starting statins at age 30 for patients with LDL-C levels at or above 160 mg/dL, a strong family history of premature ASCVD, or a high 30-year risk of ASCVD—even if their 10-year risk is low
🧬 Everyone should have Lipoprotein(a) checked at least once.
This genetic cholesterol marker can significantly increase heart disease risk and is not detected on a standard lipid panel.
📊 New risk calculators are being used.
Doctors are now using the PREVENT-ASCVD tool to estimate both 10-year and 30-year heart disease risk to guide treatment decisions.
🎯 Lower LDL (“bad cholesterol”) targets.
The updated guidelines reinforce that lower LDL levels over a longer period of time provide greater protection against heart attack and stroke.
🧪 Additional testing may be recommended.
Tests like ApoB or coronary artery calcium (CAC) scans can help better identify people who may benefit from earlier treatment.
The biggest takeaway?
Preventing heart disease starts years before symptoms appear and a simple cholesterol screening can provide important insight into your long-term health.
If it’s been a while since your last lipid panel, it may be time to check in. Did you know a lipid panel is included in the wellness panel our membership includes? Schedule a free meet and greet today by clicking the link below to learn more about our membership plans and all that they entail!