Lipid management in patients with vascular disease

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of disability and death in the United States. Although the role of lipids in the atherosclerotic process is well established, the management of dyslipidemia is often suboptimal. The National Cholesterol Education Program and its Adult Treatment Panel III have established treatment guidelines for dyslipidemia. This article will define the problem of dyslipidemia in vascular patients and discuss the recommendations of the National Cholesterol Education Program and Adult Treatment Panel III and the implications for health care personnel.