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.

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