Lipid parameter thresholds: The debate continues

Abstract

The prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases is a paramount priority of the public health agenda because these diseases are the main cause of death in the developed world and an increasing concern in developing countries. Many individual attitudes about health are shaped by community attitudes, and the recommendations given in the clinical practice guidelines for the control of cardiovascular diseases affect not only the individual at risk, but the population as a whole. We might consider, for example, the current and future impact on National Health System sustainability of the recommended treatment needed to prevent a given number of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events from occurring. In primary prevention, the recommendation relies on the patient's overall cardiovascular risk profile according to clinical practice guidelines.