Guidelines recommend cholesterol screening, treatment for individuals as young as age 30

The American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association and nine other medical associations March 13 released updated guidelines on managing cholesterol that include lowering the age to begin screening and treatment from age 40 to 30. The guidelines discuss earlier intervention through healthy lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco products, prioritizing healthy sleep habits and taking cholesterol-lowering medication when recommended by a health care professional.