President's Column - NLA Takes National Lead; SELA Agenda Remains Solid

John R. Crouse, MD

It is no revelation to the members of the Southeast Lipid Association that dyslipidemia is an extremely prevalent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and one for which there is abundant evidence that treatment reduces risk. Data from both primary prevention and secondary prevention studies of lipid-lowering therapies are unanimous in support of the fact that lipid lowering reduces heart attack and stroke, and all cause mortality. In addition, it is also evident to members of SELA that the key to treatment efficacy lies in a combined approach; uniting physicians, nurses, exercise physiologists, nutritionists, and other health care professionals in an effort to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in the United States. SELA is a perfect venue for professionals to exchange ideas and promote practices that foster these goals. It is also equally obvious that the problem is not confined to the Southeast, although the Southeast does bear a disproportionately heavy burden of atherosclerotic vascular disease. Clearly, the problem is a national one and national policies are necessary that are beyond the scope of SELA. It is surprising that, although the evidence that treatment of hyperlipidemia prevents cardiovascular disease is at least as strong as that for hypertension, there has previously been no practice society that could advocate specifically for the cause of lipid management nationwide.

The Southeast Lipid Association was initially formed to bring together interested individuals to help one another in treatment of hyperlipidemia in the Southeast and it has been successful beyond the wildest imaginations of its founders. The annual meeting, the newsletter, the educational programs, and the networking that have been available through SELA are unprecedented in the field of lipid management. For all of these reasons, it seemed almost from the beginning that a broader perspective would provide substantial support both for a national initiative as regards lipid management as well as bolstering the success of regional programs. Last year, SELA membership voted into existence the National Lipid Association (NLA), whose activities are blended with those of SELA at present, but which will become a national force in due order. The accompanying editorial by Dr. Virgil Brown highlights the progress already made within the NLA. If the successes of the NLA match those of SELA, very significant inroads in treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease will result that will have profound impact on the cardiovascular health of the United States.

Dr. Crouse is Professor of Medicine and Public Health Science at Wake Forest University, School of Medicine.