Improving cholesterol control in managed care populations

Cholesterol management has clearly emerged as a top priority for prevention-oriented management of coronary artery disease, and National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines provide the best treatment targets for these efforts. However, even in the highest risk patients, where managed care organizations naturally tend to focus their prevention budgets, the percentage of patients attaining NCEP targets is dismal. To improve success rates in patients requiring pharmacologic therapy, more effective use of new and existing drug therapies may be required. This article provides an update on current options for lipid-modifying drug therapy and offers examples of combination regimens that may assist practitioners in attaining target lipid levels.