Practical solutions for implementation of blood cholesterol guidelines in clinical practice

Underutilization of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) and failure to attain guideline-recommended low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals are important quality gaps in cardiovascular risk optimization, especially among patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Large database analyses demonstrate an unmet need for improved LDL-C measurement, and that nearly 75% of patients with ASCVD have an LDL-C level above guideline-recommended levels, and greater than 50% are not treated with statins or ezetimibe. Proposed solutions for overcoming these obstacles to optimal lipid management include provider- and patient-facing educational interventions, health information technology strategies, implementation of incentive-based care, advocacy efforts, and systems-based process innovations. While individual interventions may not be enough to overcome the totality of barriers to optimal LLT, comprehensive multifaceted approaches that address barriers at the provider, patient, and healthcare delivery level are likely to offer the greatest likelihood of success and improved patient outcomes.