Dyslipidemia

More than 15% of U.S. adults have high serum cholesterol levels. Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), cardiovascular death, and all-cause mortality (1). Large observational studies have reported a strong, graded relationship between increasing levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol or decreasing levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and increasing risk for atherosclerotic coronary heart disease (CHD) events (2, 3). Long-term, prospective epidemiologic studies have consistently shown that persons with healthier lifestyles and fewer CHD risk factors, and particularly persons with favorable lipid profiles, have lower incidences of CHD. Prevention and sensible management of dyslipidemia can markedly alter cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.