From ACC: A Consensus Approach to the Use of Non-Statin Therapy for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

By Carl E. Orringer, MD, FACC; Pamela Bowe Morris, MD, FACC; Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, MD, FACC

Guideline-directed patient care recommendations are based upon studies that make observations on groups of subjects who have specific characteristics and exhibit variable degrees of benefit or harm in response to various interventions. While the data derived from clinical trials provide information on the mean response of those taking a specified treatment versus those on placebo or alternate therapy, the results may not necessarily apply to a specific patient with unique clinical characteristics. When the evidence base that would otherwise direct care falls beyond the scope of well-designed clinical trials, or when patients who have uncommon conditions are encountered in clinical practice, clinicians often seek guidance that requires an interpretation of how the best available data can be used to facilitate clinical decision-making.