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LDL-C and CV Risk: What We Know and Don’t Know
A Continuing Medical Education Certified Webcast-on-Demand
"Nursing credit for this activity will be provided through July 28, 2009.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Dyslipidemia is a known risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) disease that affects a significant percentage of the US population. Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is an important modifiable risk factor that contributes to the global epidemic of atherosclerosis. The association between lowering LDL-C and reduced incidence of coronary heart disease has been demonstrated in numerous clinical trials. Statin therapy has been shown to reduce LDL-C from 25% to 35%, and produce decreases in CV event rates of 25% to 40%. Although greater LDL-C reductions are achievable with higher doses of statins, each doubling of statin dose only lowers LDL-C by an additional 6%, and higher statin doses may be associated with an increased incidence of adverse effects. Consequently, the potential for more intensive lipid-modification is being studied in combination regimens of statins and agents with differing mechanisms of action, such as niacin, fibrates, bile acid-binding resins, and cholesterol-absorption inhibitors. In addition to the lipid-modifying effects of lowering LDL-C and triglycerides and raising high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, cholesterol-lowering drugs often have nonlipid effects on other CV risk markers, such as reducing high sensitivity C-reactive protein, slowing progression in carotid intima media thickness and plaque size, and improving endothelial function.
This program will examine the epidemiology of atherosclerosis and include an overview of available lipid-modifying agents. Current treatment guidelines will be reviewed as will the latest clinical trials data that address dyslipidemias and the effects of lipid-lowering drugs on atherosclerotic surrogate markers. This will enable clinicians to incorporate hypercholesterolemia treatment guidelines into clinical practice, leading to improved patient outcomes.
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
AUDIENCE
This program is designed for practicing physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and other health care providers who diagnose and treat patients with lipid disorders and CV disease.
OBTAINING CREDIT
Method of Instruction
Participants should read the educational objectives, review the webcast in its entirety, and complete the online registration form, evaluation, and post-test. The post-test consists of a series of multiple-choice questions. Upon completion of this activity as designed and achieving a passing score 75% or greater on the post-test, participants will receive a certificate of credit awarding AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, pharmacy credit, or nursing credit, as well as the post-test answer key. Estimated time to complete this activity as designed is 1 hour. A letter of credit will be awarded immediately after successful completion of the program.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Minimum System Requirements
PRIVACY POLICY
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