Lipid Measurements in the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases: Scientific Statement

The main goal of lipid testing is accurate identification of persons at high risk for ASCVD and the relevant science continues to evolve. Methods used to measure or calculate LDL-C from conventional lipid measurements are likely to be refined. Specialized evaluations of atherogenic lipid levels are generally not needed to assess patients prior to the initiation of aggressive lipid altering therapy.

 

Authors: Peter W.F. Wilson, MD, Terry A. Jacobson, MD, Seth S.Martin, MD, MHS, Elizabeth J. Jackson, MSN, ACNS-BC, N-Anh Le, PhD, Michael H. Davidson, MD, Hubert W. Vesper, PhD, Ruth Frikke-Schmidt, MD, Christie M. Ballantyne, MD, Alan T. Remaley, MD, PhD

 

Highlights:

• It is acceptable to screen with nonfasting lipids.
• Non-High-Density Lipoprotein HDL-Cholesterol (non-HDL-C) is measured reliably in either the fasting or the nonfasting state and can effectively guide ASCVD prevention.
• Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) can be estimated from total cholesterol, High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) measurements.