More than two million heart patients may receive higher doses of statins or additional drugs to lower cholesterol.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has set new targets for up to 2.1 million people with cardiovascular disease who have had a heart attack or stroke.
It is estimated that up to 145,000 heart attacks, strokes and premature deaths could be prevented over the next decade if people’s cholesterol levels were lowered.
The guideline recommends continued use of statins, with patients receiving the highest dose they can tolerate.
If statins alone are not enough to lower cholesterol, doctors should consider offering medications known as PCSK9 inhibitors.
Nice estimates that up to 145,000 heart attacks, strokes and premature deaths could be prevented over the next decade if people’s cholesterol levels were lowered
For the first time, the guideline sets a target to keep low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels – often known as bad cholesterol – at 2.0 mmol per liter or less, or a non-HDL cholesterol level of 2.6 mmol per liter to hold. or less. less. Here, the number of good HDL cholesterol is subtracted from the total cholesterol number.
Professor Jonathan Benger, Nice’s chief medical officer, said: “Improving cholesterol control in a larger number of people will further reduce deaths from heart attacks and strokes.”
The British Heart Foundation welcomed the proposals and urged them to be implemented as quickly as possible.
Dr Shahed Ahmad, NHS national clinical director for cardiovascular disease prevention, said: “The introduction of target cholesterol levels … will provide welcome clarity for both NHS clinical teams and their patients.”
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
