New Heart Rule: Test Cholesterol at Age 20, Not 40

A major medical coalition says lowering the recommended age for first cholesterol tests could prevent thousands of heart attacks and strokes. Eleven leading U.S. health organizations have issued new guidance. They urge doctors to start screening patients for high cholesterol at age 20. The previous standard often began at age 40. The groups state this earlier detection is a critical change in preventive heart care. Identifying high cholesterol young allows for earlier intervention through diet, exercise, or medication. This can stop the slow buildup of artery-clogging plaque long before it causes serious problems. The guideline aims to reduce the national rate of cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death. The advice targets all adults, emphasizing that heart disease risk can develop early. Medical societies behind the guideline include the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. They conclude that simple, earlier testing is a powerful tool for saving lives.