Primary Care Practice Adherence to National Cholesterol Education Program Guidelines for Patients With Coronary Heart Disease

Abstract
MANY OF the recurrent cardiovascular disease (CVD) events that lead to high short-term morbidity and mortality for patients with CVD can be prevented or delayed with management of cholesterol levels.1-5 The Adult Treatment Panel (ATP-II) of the National Cholesterol Education Program published guidelines in 1993 that placed a strong emphasis on secondary prevention with a recommendation to manage cholesterol in those with known CVD.6 This recommendation is reinforced by clinical trials that demonstrate a reduction in the morbidity and mortality rates of 30% to 50% with management of cholesterol levels for patients with CVD.1,2,5,7 Cholesterol management also results in favorable cost-benefit outcomes with the resulting reduction in procedures and hospitalizations related to CVD.8

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