Start Checking Your Cholesterol at 30

Doctors now say that people should begin monitoring heart‑health risks earlier than before. The new advice comes from a coalition of big medical groups that shared the rules in two major journals on March 13. The message is simple: if you’re over 30, get a blood test to see how much bad cholesterol and a special protein called Lp(a) you carry. Lp(a) is made in the body by genes, so its level stays about the same for life. A high number signals a higher chance of a heart attack or stroke later on. Because it is hard to change, doctors want to know your level early and then keep an eye on it as you age.

If a person’s cholesterol stays too high after diet and exercise changes, the new plan says that medicine can start as soon as 30. The guideline leaders believe that lower bad cholesterol for longer periods protects the heart better, just like keeping blood pressure low helps prevent problems. Statins remain the first choice for lowering cholesterol, but if they are not enough, other medicines may be added. The target numbers vary with risk level. People who are borderline or at moderate risk should aim for an LDL (bad cholesterol) below 100 mg/dL. Those with a high risk of heart disease should try to get it below 70 mg/dL. In short, the focus is on catching problems early and treating them quickly to keep hearts healthy for decades.

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