Update on the management of dyslipidemia

The third edition of guidelines from the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III [ATP III]) is discussed. The most recent classifications for low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density-lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol, and triglycerides are provided. LDL cholesterol goals, cardiovascular risk assessment, therapeutic goals, and pharmacologic treatment options are discussed for both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. In addition, the management of dyslipidemia in patients with diabetes and metobolic syndrome is addressed, and the differences between the old and new guidelines are highlighted. The ATP III guidelines may help health care professionals to better screen and categorize patients on the basis of their coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. The updated guidelines recommend more intensive lipid-lowering treatments for primary prevention in patients with two or more risk factors.