Lipid lowering strategies in women.

Abstract

Hyperlipidemia is one of the major modifiable risk factors for coronary heart disease in men and women. There is substantial epidemiological data showing the relationship between elevations in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and coronary heart disease in women. Yet hyperlipidemia is undertreated in women. This may be due to limited data to support intervention for the primary prevention of coronary heart disease, confusion in national guidelines, and inadequate counseling on diet and exercise in clinical practice. Lipid levels should be evaluated in women with established coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, and diabetes. These women should be targeted for aggressive lipid lowering with diet, exercise, and medication. Women with multiple risk factors and early family history of coronary heart disease should also be evaluated. Asymptomatic young women with elevated or borderline lipids should be counseled with regard to lifestyle and behavioral interventions such as diet and exercise. (c) 2000 by CHF, Inc.