[Treatment of dyslipidemia in 2014: European versus American guidelines]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pharmacology
• Public Health

Background:

• Recent American guidelines for blood cholesterol treatment present a new approach to reducing atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk in adults.
• These guidelines have sparked debate due to differences compared to European guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the recent American guidelines with existing European guidelines on blood cholesterol management.
• To highlight key differences and provide a rationale for preferring the European guidelines.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of the American and European guidelines for cholesterol treatment.
• Evaluation of the recommended strategies for reducing atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk.

Main Results:

• The US guidelines prioritize cholesterol reduction intensity based on cardiovascular risk, unlike the European guidelines' focus on LDL cholesterol level targets.
• The American guidelines primarily recommend statins, with limited consideration for alternative pharmacological options in specific patient populations.

Conclusions:

• Significant discrepancies exist between American and European guidelines for cholesterol management.
• The European guidelines' emphasis on specific LDL cholesterol targets and broader pharmacological considerations may offer a more effective approach for certain patients.