Implementing the 2013 cholesterol management guidelines into clinical practice.

Although a reduction in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events remains the ultimate goal in cholesterol management, there has been a change in recommended cholesterol management in patients with increased risk. The objective in cholesterol management is no longer reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to a particular target value, but ensuring that patients with the highest ASCVD risk are treated with the most potent statin therapy. The previous practice of statin therapy cessation and routine monitoring for adverse events has also been scrutinized by the recent American Heart Association (AHA)/American College of Cardiology (ACC) guidelines. Identifying patients who are at risk now requires the utilization of a novel tool called the ASCVD pooled cohort calculator. The following article will guide the clinician on implementing the current AHA/ACC guidelines into clinical practice.