From LDL-C to Lp(a): A Multispecialty Approach to Reducing the Rising Tide of Cardiovascular Disease

Panelists discuss how cardiovascular disease remains a leading health concern in the United States, examining its rising prevalence, risk factors such as dyslipidemia, and management strategies aligned with AHA guidelines to reduce patient mortality.

Panelists discuss how effective management of dyslipidemia through adherence to AHA guidelines is crucial for reducing cardiovascular mortality rates and improving patient outcomes.

Panelists discuss how elevated LDL-C levels significantly contribute to ASCVD development through both modifiable lifestyle factors and genetic predisposition, making it a critical target for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Panelists discuss how pediatric lipid screening remains underutilized despite current recommendations and explore practical strategies to increase screening rates and identify cardiovascular risk factors early in childhood.

Panelists discuss how early identification of lipid disorders through pediatric screening is crucial yet underutilized, highlighting current guidelines and practical strategies to improve screening implementation in clinical practice.

Panelists discuss how the DCRM 2.0 practice recommendations provide comprehensive guidance for lipid testing frequency and LDL-C management targets in patients with diabetes and cardiorenal conditions.

Panelists discuss how comprehensive lipid assessment should include VLDL, HDL, triglycerides, and relevant ratios as they provide valuable insights into cardiovascular risk beyond LDL-C measurements alone.

Panelists discuss how LDL-C management strategies must be tailored for specific patient subgroups based on factors such as age, comorbidities, genetic predisposition, and cardiovascular risk levels.

Panelists discuss how LDL-C management strategies must be carefully adapted for patients with immunodeficiencies, considering their unique health challenges and potential treatment interactions.

Panelists discuss how screening for familial hypercholesterolemia should be initiated based on elevated LDL-C levels, family history of premature cardiovascular disease, and characteristic physical findings.

Panelists discuss how Lp(a), a distinct lipoprotein particle from LDL, independently contributes to ASCVD risk through its unique structural properties and atherogenic potential.

Panelists discuss how analysis of the Family Heart Foundation’s database provides insights into real-world LDL-C control rates among patients with ASCVD, highlighting opportunities for improved lipid management.

Panelists discuss how statin therapy can be initiated in children with familial hypercholesterolemia as early as 8 to 10 years old, following careful evaluation and lifestyle interventions.

Panelists discuss how the International Lipid Expert Panel advocates for combination therapy as initial treatment in patients with elevated LDL-C and very high cardiovascular risk rather than sequential monotherapy.

Panelists discuss how the SPORT trial demonstrated the limited efficacy of dietary supplements compared with traditional lipid-lowering therapies in reducing LDL-C levels.

Panelists discuss how newer nonstatin therapies, such as PCSK9 inhibitors (inclisiran, alirocumab, evolocumab) and bempedoic acid, offer additional options for LDL-C reduction and cardiovascular risk management.

Panelists discuss how the CLEAR-outcomes trial demonstrated bempedoic acid’s efficacy in primary prevention of cardiovascular events, informing its clinical implementation for patients with statin intolerance or inadequate LDL-C control.

Panelists discuss how multiple systemic barriers impede optimal LDL-C control, including clinical inertia, patient adherence challenges, insurance restrictions, and the removal of key quality measures.

Panelists discuss how effective cardiovascular risk management requires comprehensive screening for both LDL-C and Lp(a), along with aggressive treatment strategies for high-risk patients.