ASCVD Risk Stratification Series (Part 1 of 3): Before the Risk Calculator

ASCVD risk stratification should be straightforward, but in real clinic time, it often isn’t. Multiple guidelines, limited time, overlapping categories, and nonstop competing priorities make lipid decisions feel harder than they need to be.

In Part 1 of this LipidCurious mini-series, I walk you through how I approach ASCVD risk BEFORE I ever open an ASCVD Risk calculator using a practical, repeatable framework grounded in the 2018 AHA/ACC guideline, with AACE, NLA, and ADA guidance layered in where it adds clarity.

In this episode, we cover:

1. Why ASCVD risk stratification matters
2. Where I start every single time (screening & what to check)
3. The THREE questions that guide most lipid decisions!

• Clinical ASCVD?
• LDL-C ≥190 mg/dL?
• Diabetes Mellitus age 40–75?

Bonus: You’ll also hear two quick cases that show how much you can decide without a calculator.

Want a companion resource? Download the free LipidCurious Starter Kit here
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Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes for clinicians and healthcare professionals. It does not provide medical advice, establish a physician–patient relationship, or replace individualized clinical judgment. The opinions expressed are those of the creator and do not represent the views of any affiliated institutions or organizations.