title: Pharmacotherapy for hypercholesterolemia: guidelines and nursing perspectives.
abstract: The new guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) for the treatment of adults with hypercholesterolemia provide a standard treatment algorithm for treating patients with cholesterol-lowering medications. These guidelines provide physicians, nurses, and patients with important answers to questions about beginning drug therapy, choice of an appropriate medication, and the proper follow-up for long-term therapy. The article provides highlights of the NCEP guidelines for pharmacotherapy for hypercholesterolemia; the available medications, their effects on blood lipids, side effects, and requirements for follow-up; and the important role that nurses play in medication and compliance counseling.
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Stoy
mesh_terms: D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D008297:Male; D009313:National Health Programs; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents