- The 2026 ACC/AHA Dyslipidemia Guideline introduced significant changes in how cardiovascular risk will be assessed and lipid (cholesterol) levels will be managed.
- Among the key updates are a new risk calculator, the introduction of lipoprotein (A) testing, lower cholesterol targets, and calcium testing.
- A recent study found that 1 in 3 Americans without heart disease have higher LDL cholesterol levels than the 2026 guideline now recommends.
- Medical News Today spoke to three experts to discuss what this means for cholesterol management and how people should approach taking medications such as statins.
Earlier this year, the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association released the
The updated guidelines reflected many shifts in how medical professionals now approach cholesterol and heart disease.
Recently, Mass General Brigham researchers found that almost
For those who have already had a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular event, this figure jumps to almost four in five.
The 2026 guideline recommends specific target goals before prescribing medication, such as keeping LDL cholesterol levels at under 55 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for very high risk individuals, and at under 70 mg/dL or under 100 mg/dL depending on baseline primary risk.
However, it also strongly emphasized personalized targets.
Medical News Today spoke to three experts to discuss whether people should revise their cholesterol targets, what medications are available to lower LDL levels, and whether dietary supplements can help:
- Chandan K. Buttar, MD, a cardiovascular disease and internal medicine specialist in New Orleans, LA
- Wahaj Aman, MD, a cardiologist with Memorial Hermann and UTHealth Houston
- and Kyle Hoedebecke, MD, MBA, MPA, MS, FAAFP, CPE, clinical advisor of Alpas Wellness NOVA in Virginia.
Team Health Accessible
Health & Wellness Editorial Team
HealthAccessible editorial team delivers trusted, accessible, and evidence-based health information for everyone.
