MEMBER RESOURCE

Heart Health Updates

What’s New From the American Heart Association in 2026

How Small Changes Today Can Protect Your Heart for Life

Ventegra continuously evaluates emerging clinical guidance to help our clients and members stay ahead of health risks – improving outcomes while reducing unnecessary costs. Recent updates from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) reinforces a critical shift already shaping the future of healthcare: earlier, smarter prevention.

Why the American Heart Association Updated Its Guidance

In 2026, the AHA/ACC introduced updated recommendations that redefine how cardiovascular risk is assessed and managed. The focus is clear – identify risk sooner, intervene earlier, and prevent disease before it begins!. The emphasis of these updates is on lifelong health—prioritizing prevention and sustained wellness rather than reacting to disease after it develops.

What’s New in 2026

Heart Health Checks Start Earlier

Doctors are encouraged to begin checking heart health risk in the 30s.
Finding risk early gives more time to protect the heart.

A New Heart Risk Tool

The AHA now uses a new tool called PREVENT‑ASCVD. This tool looks at lifetime heart risk, not just the next 10 years, so care can be better matched to each person.

Additional Testing When Needed (So Ask Your Doctor About This)

Heart calcium scan
Lipoprotein(a) blood test (usually once in a lifetime)
ApoB cholesterol test

These tests help doctors decide who may need more support and who may not need medicine yet.

Lower ‘Bad’ Cholesterol Is Better

The AHA now recommends lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels over time. Lower cholesterol for many years helps protect the heart and blood vessels.

How Nutrition and Exercise Support Heart Health

National Nutrition Month reminds us that healthy eating and regular movement work together to protect your heart. Good nutrition and staying active can help lower cholesterol, control blood pressure, manage weight, and reduce future heart risk.

Heart healthy habits include:

Eating more fruits and vegetables
Choosing whole grains
Picking lean proteins like fish, beans, and nuts
Using less salt, sugar, and fried foods
Being physically active most days, such as walking, biking, swimming, or other activities you enjoy

What You Need To Remember

The 2026 AHA/ACC updates show that protecting your heart starts early. Healthy food choices and small daily habits can help prevent heart disease over a lifetime. The future of cardiovascular care is not just about treatment – it’s about anticipation, prevention, and precision. At Ventegra, we remain committed to translating leading clinical guidance into actionable strategies that benefit both patients and the healthcare system as a whole – because better decisions today lead to healthier lives tomorrow.