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(Circulation. 2002;106:e9068.)
© 2002 American Heart Association, Inc.

Cardiovascular News

Ruth SoRelle, MPH

Circulation Newswriter

An extract of the first 250 words of the full text is provided, because this article has no abstract.

ATP III Calls for More Intensive Low-Density Lipoprotein Lowering in Target Groups

The Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III) follows the path set by the two previous reports but calls for intensified lipid lowering in certain groups of adults classified as high-risk. If there is a single characteristic of this report, it is that it individualizes therapy as much as possible in a recommendation for an entire population. The report, printed in its entirety, makes up the majority of this week’s double issue of Circulation (Circulation. 2002;107:3143–3420).

The first step is risk assessment, beginning with full lipoprotein analysis with a measurement of LDL cholesterol and identifying of factors that increase risk. Individuals with multiple risk factors are at increased risk of disease, and the report specifically targets those with diabetes.

The report identifies an optimal LDL cholesterol level as <100 mg/dl and defines low HDL as <40 mg/dl. Triglyceride cut points are also lowered to identify areas of moderate elevations.

The report recommends the use of plant stanols/sterol and viscous or soluble fiber as therapeutic dietary options to enhance the lowering of LDL cholesterol. It also recommends treatment beyond LDL lowering for people whose triglycerides are at 200 mg/dl.

Its focus, however, is on the relationship between risk factors and LDL and HDL cholesterol levels. The risk factors affect the treatment to modify LDL levels and sets targets for the LDL levels in relationship to the number of risk factors an individual . . . [Full Text of this Article]