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Published on: November 10, 2017
[Update on current care guideline: dyslipidaemias]
Insights
This updated guideline focuses on treating dyslipidaemia to prevent cardiovascular disease. It sets LDL cholesterol targets based on risk, emphasizing lifestyle changes and statin therapy when needed.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Preventive Medicine
Context:
- Updated guideline on dyslipidaemia treatment.
- Aligned with European cardiovascular disease prevention guidelines.
- Focuses on reducing atherosclerotic vascular disease risk.
Purpose:
- To outline current therapeutic targets for dyslipidaemia.
- To emphasize the role of lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy.
Summary:
- Establishes specific low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol targets based on cardiovascular risk assessment: <1.8 mmol/l (very high risk), <2.5 mmol/l (high risk), and <3.0 mmol/l (moderate/low risk).
- Highlights lifestyle interventions (diet, exercise, smoking cessation, stress management) as foundational.
- Recommends drug therapy, primarily statins, for patients not achieving LDL targets through lifestyle alone.
Impact:
- Provides a clear framework for managing dyslipidaemia.
- Aims to improve patient outcomes by reducing cardiovascular events.
- Facilitates consistent application of evidence-based treatment strategies.
Abstract:
The updated guideline on the treatment of dyslipidaemias is in concordance with European guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention. Treatment of dyslipidaemia aims to reduce the risk of atherosclerotic vascular diseases. Therapeutic targets for LDL cholesterol, determined by risk assessment, range from concentration < 1.8 mmol/l (very high risk), < 2.5 mmol/l (high risk) to < 3.0 mmol/l (moderate or low risk). Lifestyle (diet, including replacement of saturated with unsaturated fat, physical activity, nonsmoking, stress management) is the cornerstone of treatment. Drug therapy, mainly statins, is considered when risk-stratified LDL targets are not reached otherwise.
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