title: Counterpoint: Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Targets Are Not Needed in Lipid Treatment Guidelines.
abstract: On the basis of accumulating evidence, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) treat-to-goal approaches no longer seem to be the best way to optimize lipid-modifying therapy to prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The potential for a net ASCVD risk reduction benefit is a more individualized approach to clinical decision making and may better inform patient preferences. However, risk estimation tools will need to be developed to facilitate more personalized CVD risk estimation in statin-treated patients. In the meantime, LDL-C thresholds rather than targets may aid in determining which patients might benefit from additional LDL-C-lowering therapy beyond statins.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City (J.G.R.); and Department of Primary Care & Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom (K.R.). jennifer-g-robinson@uiowa.edu.
authors.forename: Jennifer G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City (J.G.R.); and Department of Primary Care & Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom (K.R.).
authors.forename: Kausik
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ray
mesh_terms: D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood*; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D050171:Dyslipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D015415:Biomarkers; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL
keywords: LDL cholesterol; atherosclerosis; cholesterol; goals; patient preference