New Heart Attack Prevention Guidelines Spark Debate New guidelines that provide a major change for preventing heart attacks and strokes are being debated in the medical community, according to a recent article in The Columbus Dispatch. The guidelines, drafted by heart experts for the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, relies on a formula using factors like age and high blood pressure to estimate a patient's risk, rather than a specific cholesterol number. One-third of U.S. adults ages 40 to 75 would meet the threshold to consider taking a cholesterol-lowering statin like Lipitor and Zocor under this new advice, as compared for only about 15 percent under the current guidelines. The new guidelines are also the first that aim to prevent strokes and heart attacks and customize risk assessment for women versus men and black versus white people. Read the full details here: Experts defend new heart attack prevention advice With all of the attention other diseases command these days, it is important to remember that heart disease is still the number one killer worldwide. Once you are above the age of 40, ask your doctor about your cholesterol levels and whether medication is appropriate. If you or a family member believe you have a medical malpractice case, contact Crandall & Pera Law today for a free case evaluation. Crandall & Pera Law is available to help answer your questions and guide you in determining your next steps.