A new study says updated guidelines regarding blood cholesterol treatment means 21 million more Americans may now be eligible for statins.

The medications lower cholesterol and help prevent cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke.

The study found that the age range for cardiovascular risk assessment for adults is now ages 30 to 79. It was previously ages 40 to 75.

New recommendations also lowers the thresholds used to categorize cardiovascular risk and puts more weight on certain medical conditions.

Experts say people should first ask their doctors for a lipid panel to know their cholesterol numbers.