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Lipid screening in family practice: a critical appraisal of recent evidence

J W Sellors

    Canadian Family Physician Medecin De Famille Canadien
    |January 29, 2011
    PubMed

    Insights

    Elevated triglycerides do not currently pose a defined risk for coronary heart disease, making screening unjustified. However, high cholesterol is a proven risk factor and cause, though optimal screening methods require further clarification.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Preventive Medicine
    • Family Practice

    Background:

    • Lipid screening is a common practice in family medicine.
    • Evidence supporting screening for different lipid types varies significantly.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To critically appraise the evidence for lipid screening in family practice.
    • To differentiate the roles of triglycerides and cholesterol in coronary heart disease risk.

    Main Methods:

    • Critical appraisal of existing scientific literature on lipid screening.
    • Analysis of evidence linking lipid levels to coronary heart disease.

    Main Results:

    • Current evidence does not support triglyceride screening for coronary heart disease risk.
    • Strong evidence indicates elevated cholesterol is a primary risk factor and cause of coronary heart disease.

    Conclusions:

    • Triglyceride screening is not currently justifiable in family practice.
    • Physicians should address elevated cholesterol, but optimal screening strategies are still under investigation.

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