From the PLA President: Refocusing on What We Know as We Welcome New Opportunities

The steady stream of new treatment options for a variety of indications is a wealth of opportunity regarding the lowering of patients’ cardiovascular risk. We at the NLA are always interested in the results of the most recent trials that pave the way for the next options to assist in lowering ASCVD event rates. As we wait for the study outcomes of the Inclisiran, Pemafibrate, and Pelacarsen trials, we are using the time to incorporate other recent additions while learning to implement & navigate a new insurance coverage structure that would be utilized with Inclisiran.

While it is exciting to incorporate new tools into the clinician’s arsenal, it is most important to retain focus on the foundation of therapy in any treatment algorithm or lifestyle. The reality is that “COVID times” have changed our perspectives regarding many different things. Altered daily routines are widespread, impacting lifestyle and motivation. Adherence levels are impacted both positively and negatively. Refocusing on the importance of triglycerides is a timely reflection of what we are seeing in some of our culture as a response to the last two years of COVID reality.

In this issue, we address the utilization of opportunities that lower atherogenic particles, including both lifestyle and medication modalities. This is an issue of feature articles! I expect the lifestyle articles to assist clinicians in supporting their patients in creating realistic lifestyle routines that synergistically impact their health on multiple levels. Special thanks to our guest author, Dr. Eric Brown, who provides an insightful link between the microbiome and lipid metabolism in an emerging area that could lead to endless possibilities. As always, we want this issue to include helpful information that will impact your practice, give you a glimpse into emerging areas of research, and nurture the diverse community we have within the NLA.

The PLA has focused on providing virtual educational opportunities to connect our community and provide a platform that can be utilized by individuals or local lipid clubs. Topics have been prioritized in an order that the PLA felt would impact one’s practice most effectively and efficiently. Attracting individuals who were not familiar with the NLA was also a goal we addressed by offering an open invitation to obtain CME. We are encouraging the utilization of clinical quality metrics via the Cholesterol Recognition program by the American Heart Association to exhibit the excellent care that we are currently providing. Thank you to all for participating and supporting us in our chapter project.

In 2022, I look forward to meeting new NLA members, and seeing my friends and mentors in San Diego. Please enjoy this issue that was thoughtfully brought to you by the MWLA and PLA. It has been a pleasure to partner with Dr. David Davidson on this issue of LipidSpin. Enjoy!

PS - Please join me in my pursuit of altering one of the most commonly used phrases, “fruits and veggies” to “veggies and fruits”. I think it’s important to lead with a specific message when we are educating patients or simply using it with our families.