in primary prevention, statin therapy is indicated up to the age of at least 80 years with a 10 year risk of cardiovascular disease of 20% (measured by using the new Joint British Societies' cardiovascular disease risk chart) and with total cholesterol concentration 3.5mmol/l
in secondary prevention, the BHS guidelines state that a statin is indicated and to use sufficient doses to reach targets if patient is aged up to at least 80 years with a total cholesterol concentration 3.5 mmol/l
Notes:
patients with type 2 diabetes are considered as for secondary prevention in this context
target lipid concentrations are the same for primary and secondary prevention and have been made more stringent in light of the most recent trial evidence
the new ideal targets are to lower total cholesterol by 25% or LDL cholesterol by 30% or to reach < 4.0 mmol/l or < 2.0 mmol/l respectively, whichever is the greater - however a total cholesterol concentration < 5.0 mmol/l or LDL cholesterol < 3.0 mmol/l or reductions of 25% or 30%, respectively (whichever is the greater), provides a minimal acceptable "audit" standard
CVD risk replaces coronary heart disease (CHD) risk estimation to reflect the importance of stroke prevention as well as CHD prevention. The new CVD risk threshold of >= 20% is equivalent to a CHD risk of approximately >=15% over 10 years
Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.