Screen blood lipids regularly in adulthood (every 2 to 5 years before age 40, annually from age 40); take prescribed medication consistently for hypertension and dyslipidemia, never stopping on your own

For every 10 mmHg drop in systolic blood pressure, mortality decreases by roughly 13%, while stroke risk drops by about 27%. Each 1.0 mmol/L reduction in LDL cholesterol achieved by statins lowers mortality by roughly 10%. Those who take their medication as directed have a 30% to 45% lower risk of death compared to those who frequently miss doses. Adults should check blood lipids every 2 to 5 years before age 40, and annually starting at age 40.

Generic hypertension drugs and statins cost only a few to several dozen yuan per month. They are taken once daily, requiring minimal time. The real challenge is sticking to them long-term rather than stopping once you feel better. Checking blood lipids requires a blood draw; adults aged 65 and older have an annual free health checkup including lipid screening (see Chapter 6, Rule 18).

Pooled data from multiple randomized controlled trials show that a 10 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure lowers mortality by about 13% (RR 0.87) and major cardiovascular events by roughly 20% (RR 0.80). Stroke risk drops by around 27% (RR 0.73), while heart failure risk decreases by about 28% (RR 0.72). Statins also reduce LDL cholesterol; each 1.0 mmol/L drop lowers mortality by roughly 10% (RR 0.90) and major vascular events by about 22% (RR 0.78). Observational studies further indicate that patients who adhere to prescribed treatment regimens (>=80% compliance) enjoy significantly lower mortality rates: statin adherence reduces risk by about 45% (RR 0.55), while adherence to antihypertensive therapy lowers risk by roughly 29% (RR 0.71). Official Chinese lipid guidelines and the Healthy China Action recommend regular lipid profiling: every 2 to 5 years for adults aged 20 to 39, annually for adults aged 40 and older, and every 6 months for high-risk individuals.

Only individuals deemed by doctors to need medication should follow this advice; healthy people do not require medication. The figures regarding consistent medication use stem from observational data; those who stick to treatment tend to be more disciplined overall, which may inflate perceived benefits. The mortality reductions linked to blood pressure control and statins are firmly supported by randomized trials. Routine lipid screening catches silent hyperlipidemia early before coronary artery disease or stroke occurs. Primary beneficiaries are yourself and your parents.

Ettehad D 等 (2016). Blood pressure lowering for prevention of cardiovascular disease and death: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)01225-8；Cholesterol Treatment Trialists' (CTT) Collaboration (2010). Efficacy and safety of more intensive lowering of LDL cholesterol: a meta-analysis of data from 170 000 participants in 26 randomised trials. Lancet. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(10)61350-5；Chowdhury R 等 (2013). Adherence to cardiovascular therapy: a meta-analysis of prevalence and clinical consequences. European Heart Journal. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/eht295；健康中国行动推进委员会 (2019). 健康中国行动（2019—2030年），（十一）心脑血管疾病防治行动（湖南省卫生健康委员会转载）. https://wjw.hunan.gov.cn/wjw/ztzl/knowledge/tzggzcfg/202003/t20200303_11359594.html；Joint Committee on the Chinese Guidelines for Lipid Management (2023). 中国血脂管理指南（2023 年）. 中华心血管病杂志, 51(3), 221-255. https://doi.org/10.3760/cma.j.cn112148-20230119-00038；Li JJ 等 (2023). 2023 Chinese guideline for lipid management. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 14, 1190934（上一份指南的英文版，中文原文未取得，相关内容按英文版核对）. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1190934