Statin therapy is first-line treatment for primary prevention of ASCVD in patients with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels ( 190 mg/dL), those with diabetes mellitus, who are 40 to 75 years of age, and those determined to be at sufficient ASCVD risk after a clinician patient risk discussion. 10. Nonpharmacological interventions are recom- mended for all adults with elevated blood pressure or hypertension. For those requiring pharmaco- logical therapy, the target blood pressure should generally be <130/80 mm Hg. PREAMBLE Since 1980, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) have translated scientific evidence into clinical practice guidelines with recommendations to improve cardiovascular health. These guidelines, which are based on systematic meth- ods to evaluate and classify evidence, provide a founda- tion for the delivery of quality cardiovascular care. The ACC and AHA sponsor the development and publica- tion of clinical practice guidelines without commercial support, and members volunteer their time to the writ- ing and review efforts. Clinical practice guidelines provide recommenda- tions applicable to patients with or at risk of developing CLINICAL STATEMENTS AND GUIDELINES cardiovascular disease (CVD). The focus is on medical practice in the United States, but these guidelines are relevant to patients throughout the world. Although guidelines may be used to inform regulatory or payer decisions, the goals are to improve quality of care and align with patients interests. Guidelines are intended to define practices meeting the needs of patients in most but not all circumstances and should not replace clinical judgment. Recommendations for guideline-directed manage- ment and therapy, which encompasses clinical evalua- tion, diagnostic testing, and both pharmacological and procedural treatments, are effective only when adopted by both practitioners and patients. 