FYI from the NHLBI Index
September 2004: Vol. 5, Issue 2 Feature Articles
NHLBI Listens and Responds
Cholesterol Guidelines Updated
NHLBI Listens and Responds
A new booklet titled From Public Advocacy To Research Priorities, NHLBI
Listens And Responds highlights interactions between public interest organizations
(PIOs) and the NHLBI and the positive outcomes that result when PIOs and government
work together. To download a copy, visit Networks
and Outreach or request a printed copy from nhlbi.listens@nih.gov.
We hope the NHLBI will be the first organization you contact to express your
needs and concerns regarding research progress relevant to heart, lung, and
blood diseases and sleep disorders.
Cholesterol Guidelines Updated
A recent update to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) clinical
practice guidelines on cholesterol management advises physicians to consider
more intensive treatment options for people at high and moderately high risk
for a heart attack. These options include setting lower treatment goals for
LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol and initiating cholesterol-lowering drug
therapy at lower LDL thresholds.
The update is based on a review of five major clinical trials of statin therapy
that were conducted since the 2001 release of the NCEP cholesterol guidelines
known as the Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III report.
“The recent trials add to the evidence that when it comes to LDL cholesterol,
lower is better for persons with high risk for heart attack,” said Barbara
Alving, M.D., Acting Director, NHLBI. “These trials show a direct relationship
between lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduced risk for major coronary events.
So, it is important to consider more intensive treatment for people at very
high risk,” she added.
Additionally, the importance of using therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) to
improve cholesterol management was emphasized in the update. Following nutrition
guidelines, increasing physical activity, and controlling body weight are examples
of TLC.
For a copy of the update and information on the ATP III guidelines visit guidelines.
Please send us your feedback, comments, and questions by using the appropriate link on the page, Contact the NHLBI.
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