Controversies in primary prevention among hyperlipidemic patients.
Data from a number of population-based primary prevention trials clearly indicate that reducing total serum cholesterol levels leads to a reduced risk of coronary artery disease and death. Similarly, for patients with coronary artery disease, reducing total serum cholesterol levels proved to be an effective secondary prevention strategy, leading to a reduced risk of coronary events and death. Targeting high risk patients is a particularly important component of primary prevention. The overall benefit of treatment is significantly reduced when cholesterol-lowering strategies are initiated later in life. To assist in both primary and secondary prevention strategies, an outline of guidelines developed by a Health Canada working group for the management of hyperlipidemia have recently been published.
McPherson
R
R
University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Ottawa, Canada. rmcpherson@ottawaheart.ca
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011322:Primary Prevention; D012307:Risk Factors
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents