Management of Blood Cholesterol

Author/s: 
Alenghat, Francis J., Davis, Andrew M.
Date Added: 
February 5, 2019
Journal/Publication: 
JAMA
Publisher: 
American Medical Association
Publication Date: 
February 4, 2019
DOI (1): 
doi:10.1001/jama.2019.0015

RPR Commentary

This is an update to the 2013 blood cholesterol guidelines developed by the AHA, ACC and others.  It re-adds LDL targets and the addition of cholesterol-lowering agents other than statins when necessary. 

Abstract

Pharmacologically lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) consistently reduces ASCVD events (myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death), and the principle that lower LDL-C is better was reaffirmed by trials that added ezetimibe or proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors to statin therapy. The 2013 guideline removed specific LDL-C treatment targets, but high-quality trials since offered the opportunity to reintroduce such goals based on risk gradations.