Strategies for optimizing lipid treatment outcomes

The relationship between increased levels of cholesterol and elevated risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) has been described in many epidemiologic and well-designed prospective trials. Since first being elucidated by the Coronary Primary Prevention Trial, reducing levels of blood cholesterol results in a corresponding reduction in CHD risk has been demonstrated by numerous trials. The evidence now indicates that cholesterol reduction by any number of means confers up to a 35% reduction in total mortality, coronary mortality, coronary artery procedures, stroke, and other CHD-related events. This article reviews data that demonstrate cholesterol reduction decreases CHD risk, discusses current and emerging treatment modalities, and describes the methods healthcare practitioners can use to enhance lipid treatment outcomes. It also identifies educational tools that can be used to empower patients to improve their compliance and become actively involved in reducing their CHD risk.