Statins for primary prevention
What the major U.S. guidelines recommend, with a link to verify each at the source. A quick-reference summary for clinicians, not medical advice.
USPSTF · 2022 · Grade B/C
Adults 40–75 with ≥1 CVD risk factor and 10-yr ASCVD risk ≥10%: start a statin (B). Risk 7.5–10%: selectively offer (C).
Verify at USPSTF →ACC/AHA · 2026
New Dyslipidemia Guideline: use PREVENT (not Pooled Cohort Equations) to estimate 10-yr ASCVD risk. Intermediate risk 5–<10%: statin recommended after shared decision; borderline 3–<5%: reasonable. Statin for adults ≥40 with diabetes, CKD stage ≥3, or HIV.
Verify at ACC/AHA →