In which scenario should primary prevention be considered according to ACC/AHA cholesterol guidelines?

Primary prevention refers to strategies aimed at preventing the onset of disease before it occurs. According to the ACC/AHA cholesterol guidelines, primary prevention should be considered in patients who do not have established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or diabetes mellitus (DM).

In this context, individuals classified in this category are at risk but have not yet developed any clinical manifestations of cardiovascular disease. The focus here is on assessing risk factors, lifestyle changes, and possibly initiating preventive treatment, such as statins, in patients whose risk assessments indicate a higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular issues in the future.

Therefore, the correct answer highlights the importance of targeting patients without existing cardiovascular conditions, which aligns with preventive approaches aimed at reducing the overall burden of cardiovascular disease in the population. This proactive measure is crucial in managing long-term cardiovascular health.