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2018 Cholesterol Guidelines: Key Topics in Primary Prevention

  • Coronary Heart Disease (S. Virani and S. Naderi, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Atherosclerosis Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The 2018 American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) cholesterol guidelines are a comprehensive update providing recommendations for management of patients with high blood cholesterol based on the best available evidence. This review highlights key topics clinicians need to know for the primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) based on the 2018 ACC/AHA cholesterol guidelines.

Recent Findings

The guidelines include a broad framework for risk estimation and management for primary prevention of ASCVD. Additional tools to refine risk assessment and guide management in primary prevention are outlined, including the use of risk-enhancing factors and coronary artery calcium score measurement.

Summary

Lifestyle modification, appropriate risk assessment, and the use of proven pharmacologic therapies are essential for effective primary prevention as outlined in the 2018 ACC/AHA cholesterol guidelines.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N State Street, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA

    Donald Clark III

  2. Section of Cardiovascular Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Salim S. Virani

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  1. Donald Clark III
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  2. Salim S. Virani
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Correspondence to Donald Clark III.

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Conflict of Interest

Donald Clark III and Salim S. Virani declare no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Coronary Heart Disease

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Clark, D., Virani, S.S. 2018 Cholesterol Guidelines: Key Topics in Primary Prevention. Curr Atheroscler Rep 21, 17 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-019-0776-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-019-0776-8

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