New Cholesterol Guidelines: An Update for Pharmacists

Authors

Emily Limberg, Ohio Northern University
Benjamin Finley, Ohio Northern University
Stacy Henthorne, Ohio Northern University
Sarah Kradel, Ohio Northern University
David Bright, Ohio Northern University

Abstract

The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association published new blood cholesterol guidelines in November 2013. The new guidelines place an emphasis on evidence-based treatment of dyslipidemias and primarily use randomized controlled trials to create recommendations for health care providers. Major changes from the previous guidelines include eliminating low-density lipoprotein goals, the classification of statins by lipid-lowering potential and the creation of four major statin benefit groups. The new guidelines also establish the role of non-statins in dyslipidemias and use the Pooled Cohort Risk Assessment Equations to calculate patients' risk for cardiovascular events and the need for cholesterol-lowering medications. Pharmacists play a vital role on the health care team and should be aware of the changes in the cholesterol guidelines in order to improve patient care.