Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 4: Leading cardiologists have introduced updated guidelines for managing high cholesterol, marking a significant shift in the approach to preventing cardiovascular diseases.

The new recommendations, issued by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, emphasise early screening, personalised risk assessment, and proactive lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.

Heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death globally, with high cholesterol playing a major role. Experts say the revised guidelines focus on prevention rather than treatment, encouraging interventions at an earlier stage to reduce long-term health risks.

According to the updated framework, individuals—especially those with a family history of heart disease—should undergo cholesterol screening at a younger age. This allows doctors to detect risks early and recommend timely interventions, including lifestyle modifications or medication.

A key feature of the guidelines is the use of personalised risk assessment tools such as the prevent risk score, which evaluates a patient’s long-term risk based on multiple factors beyond cholesterol levels alone.

Medical experts noted that elevated LDL, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, contributes to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. The guidelines advise doctors to consider individual factors such as age, lifestyle, and family history while determining treatment plans.

While medication remains important, the recommendations underline that lifestyle changes are the cornerstone of prevention. A balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and avoiding smoking are seen as critical measures in managing cholesterol levels and improving overall heart health.

Cardiologists have also stressed the importance of addressing cholesterol issues early in life, including during adolescence. Encouraging healthy habits among young individuals could significantly reduce the future burden of cardiovascular diseases.

The updated guidelines aim to strengthen healthcare systems’ ability to identify and manage at-risk individuals more effectively, ultimately reducing the global impact of preventable heart conditions.