Hyperlipidemia: perspectives in diagnosis and treatment

Several forms of dyslipidemia are associated with premature coronary artery disease (CAD) and other vascular disease. These include elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and elevated triglyceride. Because of the high incidence of CAD in many Western countries, including the United States, guidelines for managing dyslipidemia and reducing the risk of CAD have been promulgated. The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) of the National Institutes of Health recently released revised guidelines for the treatment of adults with dyslipidemia, as did the European Atherosclerosis Society. Although the two reports differ in emphasis, both recommend routine screening of adults to identify specific individuals at high risk for future CAD events.