According to the USPSTF, who should be screened for lipid disorders among women aged 45 and older?

The correct choice indicates that women aged 45 and older who are at increased risk for coronary heart disease should be screened for lipid disorders. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines focus on the importance of identifying individuals most likely to benefit from early intervention and management of lipid disorders.

Screening is particularly important for those at increased risk because it allows for the timely implementation of lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy to help lower the risk of cardiovascular events. The evidence suggests that a targeted approach, focusing on those with additional risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, or a family history of heart disease, maximizes the benefits of screening and reduces potential harms from unnecessary interventions in those at low risk.

In contrast, screening all women regardless of risk would lead to a higher number of unnecessary screenings and treatments, which is less efficient and not in line with the USPSTF guidelines.

Screening only those at low risk does not align with the task force's recommendations, as it misses the opportunity to intervene in individuals who may already have an elevated chance of developing cardiovascular disease but who don’t present with symptoms or known risk factors.

Likewise, limiting screening to only women who have had a heart attack is too narrow;