2026 Guideline on the Management of Dyslipidemia
The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association joint committee have published a report on Clinical Practice Guidelines relating to the management of Dyslipidemia. The report introduces important updates on lipid testing and cardiovascular risk assessment.
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) Measurement
In adults receiving lipid-lowering therapy (LLT), particularly those with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), CKM syndrome, type 2 diabetes, or elevated triglycerides, measurement of ApoB is now considered reasonable to guide decisions on therapeutic intensification once LDL-C or non-HDL-C goals have been achieved.
This reflects the growing recognition that ApoB provides a direct measurement of atherogenic particle number, helping clinicians identify residual cardiovascular risk that may not be apparent from cholesterol levels alone.
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] Testing
The guideline also recommends measurement of Lp(a) at least once in all adults to identify individuals with genetically elevated levels who may be at higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Elevated Lp(a) is increasingly recognised as an independent and largely genetically determined cardiovascular risk factor, reinforcing the importance of incorporating it into routine risk assessment.
These updates further emphasise the role of expanded lipid profiling in cardiovascular prevention strategies. The Randox portfolio of lipid assays supports this evolving clinical need, including reagents for:
- Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
- Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]
- Comprehensive lipid panels including LDL-C, HDL-C, total cholesterol and triglycerides
As cardiovascular risk assessment continues to evolve, advanced lipid biomarkers will play an increasingly important role in identifying residual risk and guiding personalised treatment strategies