Cholesterol management has evolved to become increasingly complex and individualized. Newer guidelines from the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) detail risk assessment, novel non-statin treatment options, concerns centered on patient subgroups, and the value of therapy.

Treatment plans are now highly personalized, and experts recommend shared decision-making to fulfill patient needs. When discussing cholesterol management with patients, 4 tenets to keep in mind include the following:

1. stress the importance of a heart-healthy lifestyle spanning the patient’s life;
2. discuss the 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease per the Pooled Cohort Equations, as well as mitigating risk factors;
3. explain that although statins are the foundation of treatment, add-on options are available for patients on maximally tolerated statins who need to further lower their LDL-C levels;
4. address special treatment algorithms in at-risk patient subgroups.

What has worked for you when advising patients on lipid-lowering therapy? What role does shared decision-making play when caring for your patients with hyperlipidemia?

Cholesterol management has evolved to become increasingly complex and individualized. Newer guidelines from the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) detail risk assessment, novel non-statin treatment options, concerns centered on patient subgroups, and the value of therapy.

Treatment plans are now highly personalized, and experts recommend shared decision-making to fulfill patient needs. When discussing cholesterol management with patients, 4 tenets to keep in mind include the following:

1. stress the importance of a heart-healthy lifestyle spanning the patient’s life;


2. discuss the 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease per the Pooled Cohort Equations, as well as mitigating risk factors;


3. explain that although statins are the foundation of treatment, add-on options are available for patients on maximally tolerated statins who need to further lower their LDL-C levels;


4. address special treatment algorithms in at-risk patient subgroups.

What has worked for you when advising patients on lipid-lowering therapy? What role does shared decision-making play when caring for your patients with hyperlipidemia?

Cholesterol management has evolved to become increasingly complex and individualized. Newer guidelines from the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) detail risk assessment, novel non-statin treatment options, concerns centered on patient subgroups, and the value of therapy.

Treatment plans are now highly personalized, and experts recommend shared decision-making to fulfill patient needs. When discussing cholesterol management with patients, 4 tenets to keep in mind include the following:

1. stress the importance of a heart-healthy lifestyle spanning the patient’s life;


2. discuss the 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease per the Pooled Cohort Equations, as well as mitigating risk factors;


3. explain that although statins are the foundation of treatment, add-on options are available for patients on maximally tolerated statins who need to further lower their LDL-C levels;


4. address special treatment algorithms in at-risk patient subgroups.

What has worked for you when advising patients on lipid-lowering therapy? What role does shared decision-making play when caring for your patients with hyperlipidemia?