New Cholesterol Guidelines Cut LDL Target to Under 55 From 160

5 articles · Updated · Philadelphia magazine · May 26

LDL goals have tightened sharply, with high-risk patients now urged to get below 55 versus an older benchmark of 160, reflecting a far more aggressive prevention strategy.
Dr. Mike said treatment should start earlier and more broadly, with cholesterol monitored even in patients as young as 21 and some children screened for inherited high cholesterol.
A $175 coronary artery calcium scan can uncover plaque even when cholesterol numbers look acceptable, while the Prevent calculator estimates both 10-year and 30-year heart attack or stroke risk.
Statins remain the first-line therapy for lowering LDL and cardiac risk, he said, with Zetia and PCSK9 inhibitors available for patients who cannot take or do not respond to statins.
Lifestyle changes still anchor care: exercise more, limit highly processed and greasy foods, and avoid frequent cookout staples such as hot dogs.

Doctors praise statins, but half of patients quit them. Are the side effects worse than we're told?

With calls to screen even children for cholesterol, are we creating a nation of anxious patients?

Doctors urge aggressive heart tests, but insurers refuse to pay. Is preventative care only for the wealthy now?