Major New Guidelines on Reducing Cardiovascular Risk Released

Health

By Joe Elia

Cardiovascular RiskGuidelines encompassing four major areas aimed at reducing the risk for cardiovascular disease have been released.

The guidelines, appearing in Circulation, are likely to change clinical practice. They are the result of collaborations among the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, and other organizations.

Guidelines on Reducing Cardiovascular Risk

Some major recommendations from the four areas follow:

  • Obesity: There’s no ideal diet for weight loss. Intensive, supervised lifestyle changes for at least 6 months receive strong endorsement.

  • Lipids: There’s no longer any support for treating to specific lipid targets.

  • Risk Assessment: The guidelines offer a new calculator for measuring 10-year risk (we provide a link below).

  • Lifestyle: The guidelines emphasize heart-healthy diets and advocate restrictions to the intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium.

The NEJM Journal Watch editors are reviewing the individual recommendations, and Clinical Conversations interviewed cardiologist Harlan Krumholz to get his perspective.