Regular Cholesterol Screenings Help Prevent Heart Issues

Former MLB player CC Sabathia encourages regular heart health testing to catch asymptomatic arterial blockages early.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Heart Disease

Gouache-painted editorial illustration showing a cross-section of a human artery, emphasizing vascular health and preventive screening. — Regular cholesterol screenings are essential for early detection of arterial plaque buildup, a silent contributor to heart attacks and strokes. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you plan to get your cholesterol checked at your next doctor's visit?

Former professional baseball player CC Sabathia is urging adults to prioritize routine cholesterol screenings after he required a stent to clear a blocked artery in 2018. Early detection remains a primary tool for managing heart disease, as high cholesterol often lacks noticeable symptoms until a major cardiac event occurs.

Why it matters

High cholesterol causes plaque to accumulate in artery walls, significantly increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Because this process is usually asymptomatic, regular lipid panel testing is essential for monitoring and managing heart health before blockages develop.

Clinical guidelines define healthy lipid levels including total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL and LDL-C under 100 mg/dL for low-risk individuals. The specific target for those with severe plaque is under 55 mg/dL, while those with diabetes are typically advised to maintain LDL-C below 70 mg/dL.

The players

CC Sabathia

A former professional baseball player who underwent a medical procedure for a blocked artery.

American College of Cardiology

A professional medical organization that establishes clinical guidelines for heart disease prevention and care.

American Heart Association

A national organization focused on reducing deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and stroke.

The details

Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream to build cells and hormones, but excess amounts combine with other substances to form plaque that narrows and stiffens arteries. While the body produces cholesterol in the liver, animal-based dietary sources such as meat, poultry, and dairy, as well as saturated and trans fats, can further elevate levels. Physicians use a lipid panel blood test to quantify these levels and determine if interventions are necessary to prevent arterial blockages.

In 2018, CC Sabathia experienced heart-related symptoms and required a stent.
In 2026, the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association issued new cholesterol guidelines.

Health Landscape

The 2026 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association cholesterol guidelines provide the current clinical framework for managing lipid-related cardiovascular risks. These recommendations emphasize consistent monitoring and intervention to mitigate the population-level trend of asymptomatic plaque buildup.

Adults should consult a physician to determine when to schedule a lipid panel blood test, especially if they have family history or personal risk factors. Discussing these specific test results and personal health goals is an essential step toward identifying the need for preventive care.

The takeaway

High cholesterol often causes no symptoms, making routine screening the most effective way to catch potential arterial blockages early. Ask your doctor at your next visit if your current risk profile warrants a lipid panel test to establish your baseline health.