AAE Summary

One Published Clinical Guideline The AACE guidelines are useful for a prescribing practitioner because of the detail and up to date research literature provided (AACE, 2012). For both males and females, lab goals for LDL is less than 100 mg/dL, and patients with at least one high risk comorbidity, the goal is less than 70 mg/dL (AACE, 2012). Minimal adult goal for HDL lab value is 40mg/dL, but the goal is to make these levels rise (AACE, 2012). Also, the goal for both adult men and women for triglycerides is less than 150 mg/dL (AACE, 2012). The AACE suggests that addressing risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and smoking will help control hyperlipidemia and reduce atherosclerosis (AACE, 2012). “The first-line approach to primary
First-line treatment for patients at risk for CAD will focus on primary prevention by lifestyle modifications (AACE, 2012). This approach will consist of a comprehensive method involving physical activity (AACE, 2012). Activity plans will be formulated with patient goals outlined like 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity at least four to six days a week (AACE, 2012). Next, nutritional plans will be formulated into the treatment of hyperlipidemia prevention to include ways to eliminate ingestion of saturated and trans fats (AACE, 2012). Vegetables, fruits, grains, fish, and lean meats are incorporated into the diet plan to reduce caloric intake and weight reduction (AACE, 2012). Since smoking aids in plaque build-up on the coronary arteries, smoking cessation is very important to incorporate into the care plan (AACE, 2012). Once smoking has stopped evaluation in 30 days will often show increased HDL levels (AACE, 2012). Once lab results show the diagnosis of hyperlipidemia, a medication regimen along with the mentioned primary prevention methods will be initiated to reduce cardiovascular events (AACE, 2012). The AACE reports statins are the number one drug choice (AACE, 2012). The approach to lowering severe high levels of triglycerides, fibrates is the treatment option that is appropriate (AACE, 2012). Other potential options if the primary choice is not appropriate is niacins, bile acid sequestriants, and cholesterol absorption inhibitors (AACE, 2012). Niacins are used to lower triglycerides and LDLs and elevating HDLs (AACE, 2012). Giving in conjunction with Omega 3 Fish Oil is appropriate if necessary for lower triglyceride levels (AACE, 2012). Reducing LDL but only modestly increasing HDLs is the bile sequestriants action in the body, but increased triglycerides and lowering glucose have been noted therefore not the first-line treatment