New Guidelines Recommend Lipoprotein(a) Test to Prevent Heart Disease

Updated recommendations from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology aim to identify cardiovascular risk earlier and intervene more aggressively.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:40am

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Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, but new guidelines released by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) signal a shift towards more proactive prevention. The key change is the recommendation for a one-time lipoprotein(a) test for all adults, as elevated levels of this genetically determined marker can indicate an inherited predisposition to heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. The guidelines also emphasize the use of additional biomarkers and tools, like coronary calcium scoring, to provide a more comprehensive assessment of lifetime cardiovascular risk.

Why it matters

These updated guidelines are expected to significantly increase the number of people receiving preventive treatment, particularly with cholesterol-lowering statins. The focus on lifetime risk and earlier intervention aims to catch cardiovascular issues before they become life-threatening. This shift towards proactive prevention could have a major impact on public health, as cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S.

The details

The new guidelines recommend a one-time lipoprotein(a) test for all adults, as elevated levels of this genetic marker can indicate an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. Doctors are also encouraged to utilize additional biomarkers and tools, such as coronary calcium scoring and the PREVENT risk assessment tool, to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of a patient's lifetime cardiovascular risk. While LDL cholesterol remains a key factor, the guidelines emphasize that it doesn't tell the whole story. The accessibility of generic statins has also made earlier intervention with cholesterol-lowering medications more financially feasible for many patients.

  • The new guidelines were released on Friday, March 14, 2026.

The players

American Heart Association (AHA)

A non-profit organization focused on cardiovascular health and research.

American College of Cardiology (ACC)

A professional medical society focused on cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment.

Dr. Steven Nissen

A preventive cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic who described the increased emphasis on lifetime risk as a 'sea change' in cardiovascular care.

Leslie Cho

A preventive cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic who emphasizes that 'the cornerstone of decent cardiac prevention is diet and exercise.'

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What they’re saying

“The cornerstone of decent cardiac prevention is diet and exercise.”

— Leslie Cho, Preventive Cardiologist, Cleveland Clinic (Newsy-Today.com)

“The new guidelines suggest screening and potential treatment for younger adults, shifting the focus from reactive treatment to proactive prevention.”

— Samantha Carter, Chief Editor, Newsy-Today.com (Newsy-Today.com)

What’s next

Experts predict the new guidelines will spur increased demand for lipoprotein(a) testing, greater utilization of advanced imaging like coronary calcium scoring, and a move towards more personalized, proactive approaches to cardiovascular disease prevention.

The takeaway

These updated guidelines represent a significant shift in how cardiovascular health is approached, moving away from reactive treatment and towards earlier identification and intervention of risk factors. By emphasizing lifetime risk and a more comprehensive assessment, the guidelines aim to save lives and reduce the burden of heart disease in the United States.