What is the minimum age requirement for lipid testing and management?
The Clinical Practice Guideline applies to patients aged 40 years or older. However, there are conditions to consider for primary prevention treatment at younger ages, such as severely elevated LDL-C levels that may suggest a familial hyperlipidemic condition. These cases are challenging because there is no direct evidence to guide providers, thus, shared decision making about the uncertain benefit and risks is the only recommended strategy for patients younger than age 40 who are interested in lipid testing and management.