Management of Hyperlipidemia in a Clinical Pathway Unit

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Abstract
In the patient population served by the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality. Hyperlipidemia is a reversible risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Although effective pharmacotherapy exists for treating hyperlipidemia, drug therapy used inappropriately, or without dietary and lifestyle changes, is often ineffective and expensive. In an effort to deal with the problem of treating this extremely common risk factor in a cost-effective and efficacious manner, a clinical pathway unit was created. This unit employs written protocols and goals derived from the National Cholesterol Education Panel Guidelines. The clinic staff emphasize diet and lifestyle changes, and they follow rational treatment protocols. The data to date indicate that the unit is very successful in improving clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and costs.