Should You Take a Statin? New Cholesterol Guidelines
AARP • • health
Key Points:
- Leading medical associations, including the American Heart Association, have updated cholesterol management guidelines, recommending earlier treatment of high LDL cholesterol with statins to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- LDL cholesterol, known as "bad" cholesterol, contributes to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events; doctors now advise keeping LDL levels below 100 mg/dL.
- Statins, which lower cholesterol by reducing liver production and increasing blood cholesterol clearance, are effective for most patients, though some may experience side effects and require alternative medications.
- Managing cholesterol is especially important as people age, with increased risk during middle age and menopause; aggressive treatment is advised for those with existing heart disease or high-risk factors.
- Patients should discuss additional risk factors with their doctors, including family history and specific tests like lipoprotein(a) and coronary artery calcium scans, to better assess cardiovascular risk and tailor treatment.
