
Guideline Shift Expands Statin Eligibility to 87.5 Million Americans
A JAMA analysis of the 2026 ACC/AHA cholesterol guidelines shows 21.5 million more U.S. adults now qualify for statins, bringing the total to about 87.5 million. The expansion focuses on long-term lifetime risk rather than just 10-year risk, with older adults and people with risk factors more likely to qualify. Whether to start a statin should be individualized, possibly aided by tests like coronary calcium scoring, alongside lifestyle changes; statins are generally safe with mostly minor side effects.


