Examining the Benefits of Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in Primary Prevention: Focus on Dyslipidemia
ACPE activity #204-000-09-439-L01P
1 hour (0.1 CEU) of continuing pharmacy education

Overview
It is estimated that 80 million adults in the United States, or approximately one in three, have one or more forms of cardiovascular (CV) disease. Subsequently, coronary heart disease (CHD) and other CV events (e.g., stroke) have been the number one cause of death for decades. Efforts to reduce risks of morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular disease include managing hypertension and dyslipidemia, using antiplatelet agents appropriately, implementing lifestyle modifications, and promoting smoking cessation.

Multiple clinical trials on the management of dyslipidemia have demonstrated a significant reduction in CV morbidity and mortality with aggressive LDL cholesterol lowering in secondary prevention patients (those with established CHD). The results of these trials have led to a global acceptance of intensive dyslipidemia management in secondary prevention patients. However, preventing a first occurrence of CHD (primary prevention) remains an essential public health initiative. Moreover, recent evidence from the JUPITER trial and meta-analyses have redirected attention toward primary prevention.

The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel, which is sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, is expected to release updated evidence-based guidelines in 2010. The current recommendation to lower LDL cholesterol as a primary target, followed by lowering non-HDL cholesterol and raising HDL cholesterol as secondary and tertiary targets, is expected to continue. However, goal values for these lipoproteins may be modified for primary prevention patients based on recent study results. Despite the availability of robust evidence in primary prevention patients, controversies regarding treatment of special patient populations (e.g., women, very elderly) remain.

This educational activity will provide knowledge and expert instruction for pharmacists when recommending therapy for dyslipidemia. Using active learning techniques, current recommendations for treatment guidelines and pharmacotherapy will be discussed, as well as emerging therapies. Clinically relevant controversies regarding the management of dyslipidemia in women and very elderly patients will be presented.

Faculty
Joseph Saseen, Pharm.D., FCCP, FNLA, BCPS, CLS
Professor
University of Colorado Denver
Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine
Aurora, Colorado

Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this knowledge-based educational activity, participants should be able to:

  • Discuss current research assessing the benefits of managing dyslipidemia in primary prevention patients.
  • Describe current lipoprotein targets (LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and HDL-C) and new therapies for the management of dyslipidemia.
  • Identify at least two clinically relevant controversies related to the management of dyslipidemia in women or elderly patients.
  • Recommend an appropriate dyslipidemia treatment plan for reducing cardiovascular risk in a primary prevention patient.