New guidelines offer new approach for managing high cholesterol Doctors now recommend that patients get a lipoprotein(a) test along with other screenings to manage high cholesterol, according to updated guidelines released by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. The guidelines emphasize more aggressive prevention strategies and earlier treatment, including a one-time lipoprotein(a) test for all adults. This genetic marker is linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular conditions. The guidelines aim to improve tools doctors use to assess cardiovascular risk, which remains the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Dr. Roger Blumenthal, a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins and chair of the guideline writing committee, noted that 80% or more of cardiovascular disease is preventable. Elevated LDL cholesterol, often called "bad" cholesterol, plays a major role in this risk. However, relying solely on LDL levels may not be sufficient. Blumenthal highlighted that measuring additional biomarkers can provide a more complete picture of a patient’s risk and help determine whether cholesterol-lowering therapy should begin earlier. The lipoprotein(a) test is a simple blood test that is widely available and increasingly offered by primary care physicians as part of preventive care. Since lipoprotein(a) is genetically determined and stable over time, it typically needs to be tested only once, ideally early in adulthood. Elevated levels indicate an inherited risk for cardiovascular disease. The guidelines also promote the use of coronary calcium scoring, a noninvasive scan that measures calcified plaque in arteries.#american_heart_association #american_college_of_cardiology #johns_hopkins #cleveland_clinic #circulation
