CardioExchange Archive

CardioExchange, an NEJM practice community for medical professionals dedicated to improving cardiac patient care, was active from 2009 to 2015. CardioExchange fostered discussion between clinicians from across the globe.

January 28th, 2014

Cholesterol Guidelines: Annals of Internal Medicine Offers a Guide for the Perplexed

The guidelines on assessing cardiovascular risk and cholesterol levels that were released in November have not had a calming effect on clinicians, according to commentators. The Annals of Internal Medicine offers four articles meant to allay fears — or at least provide some perspective. The articles include a synopsis of the guidelines.

Skeptical commentators argue that lowering the treatment threshold to a 7.5% 10-year risk will lead to overtreatment. (Other commentators argue that the ideal threshold may lie between 5% and 15%, given the limitations of the risk calculator, which is scheduled for revision in the coming months.)

From an even more practical standpoint, another group reminds clinicians that finding time for the patient discussions recommended in the guidelines will be difficult. The discussions might best be planned to occur over a series of visits, in their view.

An editorial sagely advises that readers “listen to the evidence, not the noise.”

Originally published in Physician’s First Watch

Categories: Uncategorized


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