New Cholesterol Guidelines Recommend Earlier Testing Starting in the 30s
New cholesterol guidelines have been introduced, marking the first update in nearly a decade. These guidelines suggest that doctors should begin cholesterol testing and management earlier in life, starting in the 30s, to better prevent heart attacks and strokes. Dr. Jehan Riar, a primary care physician at Mercy Personal Physicians, emphasizes the importance of more comprehensive bloodwork during annual exams. Tests such as Lipoprotein(a) and Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) are recommended to assess genetic risk and fine-tune cholesterol management. These tests are particularly crucial for women, who often exhibit different and more vague cardiovascular symptoms compared to men. 
