Improving the Prediction of Coronary Heart Disease to Aid in the Management of High Cholesterol Levels

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
THE NATIONAL Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) has recognized the importance of risk-based guidelines in its policies regarding the treatment of high blood cholesterol levels for the prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD).1 The logic underlying this strategy is 2-fold.2 First, individuals at lower risk of CHD have less likelihood of benefiting from cholesterol-reducing medical therapy but are at the same risk of potential adverse medication effects as higher-risk patients.3 Second, the cost-effectiveness of lipid-reducing therapy is greater when treatment is targeted toward individuals at higher risk.4