LDL Target Gap: Most Americans Miss 2026 Cholesterol Goals

Under the 2026 ACC/AHA cholesterol guidelines, LDL targets are lower based on cardiovascular risk. A Mass General Brigham study analyzing NHANES 2021–2023 data finds about one-third of U.S. adults without prior CVD have LDL above the target, and roughly 76% of them aren’t on cholesterol-lowering meds. Among those with established cardiovascular disease, nearly 80% exceed the goal, with many already on therapy but not at target, highlighting the need to start treatment in primary prevention and intensify therapy in secondary prevention.