Physician recognition and treatment of hypercholesterolemia.
To assess physician behavior regarding hypercholesterolemia, records of patients whose serum cholesterol levels averaged 6.85 mmol/L or greater during a two-month period were reviewed. Of 111 eligible patients, physicians noted hypercholesterolemia in 62 (56%) and prescribed treatment in 34 (31%). Excluding those whose condition had been previously diagnosed and who were receiving treatment at the time of initiation of the study, only 22% of patients with high-risk serum cholesterol levels received treatment. An aggressive physician education program on the definition, evaluation, and management of hypercholesterolemia is needed.
Landzberg
J S
JS
Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn.
Heim
C R
CR
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013714:Tennessee