New Cholesterol Guidelines 2018

LDL, known as the “bad” cholesterol contributes to fatty buildup and narrowing of arteries. Nearly one in three American adults have a high LDL.

Along with risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking and high blood sugars, researchers and clinicians looked at “risk-enhancing factors” for guidelines.

Researchers are saying that young adults, even children, should not be overlooked. Risk factors, as in family history, ethnicity and lifestyle needs to be examined. Due to the potentially dangerous effects of a lifetime exposure to high cholesterol, it is being suggested that screening be considered for children.  

You can learn more about the research and new guidelines in the 2 articles provided. One, from the American Heart Association. The other from the American College of Cardiology.

https://www.heart.org/en/news/2018/11/10/new-guidelines-cholesterol-should-be-on-everyones-radar-beginning-early-in-life

https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2018/11/07/15/19/sat-1130am-guideline-on-the-management-of-blood-cholesterol