Rosh Internal Medicine Boost Practice Exam

At what age should a lipid profile screening begin for an adult man with no cardiovascular risk factors?

1. Lipid profile beginning at age 20

2. Lipid profile beginning at age 30

3. Lipid profile beginning at age 35

4. Lipid profile beginning at age 40

The correct answer is: Lipid profile beginning at age 35

Lipid profile screening for adults is an essential component of preventive healthcare, helping to identify individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease. For men with no cardiovascular risk factors, the recommended age to begin screening is typically around 35 years. This guideline aligns with the recommendations from organizations such as the American Academy of Family Physicians and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which suggest screening for cholesterol levels as part of routine preventive health checks. Beginning screening at this age balances the need for early detection of dyslipidemia while considering the general low prevalence of significant lipid abnormalities in younger adults without risk factors. Starting at 35 allows for timely identification of conditions such as hyperlipidemia, which can lead to cardiovascular events if left unmonitored. Screening earlier, such as at 20 or 30 years of age, is primarily reserved for younger adults who have additional risk factors, including obesity, family history of heart disease, or conditions like diabetes. Conversely, delaying screening until 40 years of age is not optimal in this context, as it may miss opportunities for early intervention in individuals who might develop lipid disorders around that time. Therefore, initiating lipid profile screening at age 35 is a targeted approach for adults without existing cardiovascular risk factors.