Cholesterol surveillance

There certainly has been heightened focus on the prevention of cardiovascular disease by reducing the risk associated with an elevated cholesterol, and in particular, an elevated low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The facts are that we don't know for sure who will definitely benefit. The scientists who make these recommendations do meticulous studies to prove the drugs are beneficial by doing a statistical analysis. That means that there will be a societal benefit when the recommendations are applied to large groups but there is no certainty that an individual will benefit. This can be confusing but helps us to know who is the most likely to benefit, which is different from who will definitely benefit. These facts give us a lot of latitude in making recommendations and considering your personal preferences toward the use of medicines. Study this site for the United States Preventive Service Task Force guidelines: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspschol.htm

Here is a link to a wonderful source of information form the American Heart Association that you will want to visit if your desire is to avoid medicine and employ lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3017030

And if you want the very detailed and latest recommendations on whom to treat and to what targets we want to reach, check out this site: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/cholesterol/upd-info_prof.htm . This is required reading if you or someone you love has heart disease or stokes and you want to participate in their care.