A practical approach to the cholesterol guidelines and ASCVD prevention

Abstract

Lifestyle factors remain the bedrock of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) prevention. Statins remain the first-line therapy for primary and secondary prevention of ASCVD. Physicians are encouraged to discuss the risks and benefits of statins with patients before beginning therapy. Nonstatins and proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 inhibitors are recommended for secondary prevention in patients with clinical ASCVD. For patients at intermediate risk of ASCVD, new risk-enhancing factors, including chronic inflammatory conditions and ethnicity, should be considered to better risk stratify these patients.