Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
09:15

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles

Published on: November 10, 2017

Lipid targets in clinical practice: successes, failures and lessons to be learned

M Dunne1, O Mac Ananey, C Markham

  • 1Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, Co Dublin, Ireland.

Irish Journal of Medical Science
|April 26, 2013
PubMed

Insights

This study found that a cardiovascular risk factor clinic had gaps in achieving lipid targets, especially for patients with high initial LDL cholesterol. Improved education and strategies are needed for better risk factor control.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Clinical Pharmacy

Background:

  • Optimal risk factor control is crucial for patients with established coronary heart disease (CHD+) and those at risk (CHD-).
  • Cardiovascular risk factor clinics aim to manage multiple risk factors effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the success rate of achieving lipid risk factor targets in a multiple risk factor clinic.
  • To identify factors contributing to the achievement or non-achievement of targets.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective audit of 488 patients (112 CHD+, 376 CHD-) attending a Cardiovascular Risk Factor Clinic.
  • Data collected from 2009-2010 at Tallaght Hospital, Dublin.

Main Results:

  • Achieved targets included LDLc (54/62%), HDLc (67/67%), systolic BP (35/38%), diastolic BP (82/75%), smoking cessation (27/26%), BMI ≤ 30 (39/50%), and normal waist circumference (27/39%).
  • Patients not meeting LDLc targets had lower lipid-lowering drug use and higher baseline LDLc levels.

Conclusions:

  • Gaps exist in achieving target lipid levels within the multiple risk factor clinic.
  • High initial LDLc and insufficient drug titration were noted.
  • Factors like guideline changes, staff rotation, visit frequency, and target multiplicity may contribute. Enhanced education and algorithm-based strategies are recommended.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents01:20

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents

Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets01:29

Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets

Advances in genomics have profoundly influenced drug discovery by increasing both the speed and accuracy of pharmaceutical development. Pharmacogenomics, which examines how genetic variation influences drug response, facilitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets and enables patient stratification for personalized treatment. These strategies contribute to improved drug efficacy, minimized adverse effects, and more efficient clinical trial design.Mapping genetic differences...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Overview of Lipid Metabolism01:24

Overview of Lipid Metabolism

Lipid metabolism is a crucial process in the human body that involves the synthesis and degradation of lipids. This process is essential for energy production, cell membrane formation, and hormone production, among other functions.
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body01:31

Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body

Fats and lipids are crucial components in the human body. Some lipid-derived compounds, such as fat-soluble vitamins, eicosanoids, lipoproteins, and glycolipids, also play unique roles to support various  biological processes .
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin, delayed...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile01:25

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile

Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...