Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 30: Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death globally, with high cholesterol emerging as one of its most significant and preventable risk factors. In a major shift towards preventive care, new guidelines issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) recommend starting cholesterol screening much earlier, including during childhood.
Highlighted in recent research by Johns Hopkins Medicine, the updated recommendations emphasise early detection and personalised risk assessment to reduce long-term cardiovascular risks such as heart attacks and strokes.
Experts say cardiovascular disease develops silently over decades, and by the time symptoms appear, significant damage may already be done. Early identification of elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often referred to as “bad cholesterol”, can help lower lifetime risk.
Under the revised guidelines, children should undergo cholesterol screening between ages 9 and 11, with testing recommended as early as 2 years for those at high risk. Young adults are advised to get retested around age 20, while adults should undergo lipid profile testing every five years or more frequently based on individual risk.
The guidelines mark a departure from earlier practices that focused mainly on individuals above 40 years of age, shifting instead towards long-term prevention starting early in life.
A key addition is the focus on personalised risk assessment. Doctors are now encouraged to evaluate factors such as family history of heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, and pregnancy-related complications. New tools like the PREVENT risk calculator are being introduced to estimate both 10-year and 30-year cardiovascular risk.
Another major update is the inclusion of lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), as an important marker. The guidelines recommend that all adults get tested for Lp(a) at least once in their lifetime, as elevated levels can significantly increase the risk of heart disease and are largely determined by genetics.
Health experts stress that cholesterol-related damage can begin in childhood, and prolonged high LDL levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks later in life.
The recommendations hold particular relevance for India, where cardiovascular diseases are rising rapidly and often affect younger populations. Factors such as genetic predisposition, unhealthy diet, stress, and sedentary lifestyles contribute to the growing burden.
Despite advances in screening, experts underline that lifestyle changes remain crucial. A balanced diet low in saturated fats, regular exercise, avoidance of tobacco, maintaining healthy weight, and adequate sleep are key to managing cholesterol levels.
The updated guidelines signal a major shift from late-stage treatment to early prevention, urging individuals to monitor cholesterol levels proactively and take timely steps to safeguard long-term heart health.