Beyond LDL Cholesterol: Risk Assessment and Biomarkers in Special Populations

New guidelines and combination therapy studies have modified the approach to lipid management in the prevention of coronary heart disease. Prevention modalities begins with a careful assessment of cardiovascular risk. New high risk groups such as patients with chronic kidney disease and a previous stroke have been identified. Special patient populations such as the Oncology patient present challenges in the prevention of heart disease. The use of biomarkers and non-invasive imaging studies can help assess cardiac risk. Treatment continues to focus on LDL and non-HDL cholesterol. Advanced lipid testing may help identify a cohort of individuals that remain at high residual risk despite meeting current treatment goals. This course will focus on risk assessment especially in emerging high risk populations and discuss an aggressive treatment approach focusing on lipid management to reduce cardiovascular risk.