Heart disease remains a leading cause of death–but as UCSF’s Dr. Robert Baron explains, there are clear and effective ways to lower the risk. In a recent presentation, Baron shares the latest evidence on lipid management, emphasizing statins as a cornerstone for preventing heart attacks and strokes. For people with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or high LDL levels, statins can reduce risk by 25-33%.
But what about people who don’t yet have symptoms? That’s where things get more nuanced. Baron highlights the importance of shared decision-making in primary prevention, since risk levels and treatment guidelines can vary. He discusses the new PREVENT risk calculator, which replaces earlier tools and improves accuracy–without using race as a factor.
Baron also explains when additional treatments, like ezetimibe or PCSK9 inhibitors, may be appropriate. He walks through risk-enhancing factors such as family history, coronary artery calcium scores, and lipoprotein(a) levels, helping clinicians tailor care to each patient. With clear, evidence-based guidance, Baron offers a roadmap for reducing cardiovascular risk and improving long-term health outcomes.