Pharmacotherapy for hypercholesterolemia: guidelines and nursing perspectives

The new guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) for the treatment of adults with hypercholesterolemia provide a standard treatment algorithm for treating patients with cholesterol-lowering medications. These guidelines provide physicians, nurses, and patients with important answers to questions about beginning drug therapy, choice of an appropriate medication, and the proper follow-up for long-term therapy. The article provides highlights of the NCEP guidelines for pharmacotherapy for hypercholesterolemia; the available medications, their effects on blood lipids, side effects, and requirements for follow-up; and the important role that nurses play in medication and compliance counseling.