American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

When should lipid disorder screening begin for women?

1. Age 30

2. Age 35

3. Age 40

4. Age 45

The correct answer is: Age 40

Lipid disorder screening for women is recommended to begin at age 45 according to the guidelines from the American Heart Association and other key health organizations. This recommendation is based on the understanding that the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is closely tied to lipid levels, increases as women age, especially during and after the menopause when changes in metabolism and hormonal profiles can lead to altered lipid levels. At age 45, the majority of women are at an elevated risk for dyslipidemia, and early detection through screening can facilitate timely intervention if necessary. These preventive measures become crucial for managing heart health and overall well-being. Beginning screening at an earlier age, such as 30 or 35, may not be warranted for the general population unless there are additional risk factors present, such as family history of cardiovascular disease, obesity, or other metabolic disorders. Hence, while lipid screening is essential, the optimal initiation age is tailored to balance the benefits of early detection with the likelihood of encountering abnormal results in younger populations who may not exhibit the same risk profile.