Nearly one-third of U.S. adults without heart disease have LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels above the goals set by new national guidelines, according to a study published in JAMA. Among those exceeding their target, about three-quarters are not taking cholesterol-lowering medication.
The gap is even larger for adults who have already had a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular event: nearly four in five remain above their recommended LDL level. Many who are on treatment may need stronger medications or additional therapies to reach the lower targets recommended for higher-risk patients.
These findings underscore the value of knowing both your LDL level and the target appropriate for your overall cardiovascular risk. Regular screenings can catch elevated cholesterol before it leads to more serious problems.
MedBen WellLiving supports this proactive approach through early detection, timely intervention, and ongoing monitoring of at-risk members. Clients that participate in WellLiving spend 16.8% less on cholesterol-related care than non-WellLiving groups.