
New cholesterol rules could broaden statin use for millions
The 2026 cholesterol guidelines from the AHA/ACC expand statin eligibility to about 87.5 million U.S. adults aged 30–79 (roughly 57% of those studied), by extending risk assessment to a 30-year horizon and lowering 10-year risk thresholds. Eligibility means statins should be considered but not automatically prescribed; decisions should be personalized with a clinician, and lifestyle measures remain essential for preventing cardiovascular disease.





