It has been well documented in the literature that elevated levels of plasma LDL-C increases the risk of atherosclerotic disease.
Atherosclerotic plaques lead to an increased possibility of various negative clinical outcomes, including, but not limited to, coronary artery disease. PAD, aortic aneurysms, and stroke.
Lowering this via lifestyle changes or medication reduces the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in patients without established CAD, ie primary prevention. Achieving low levels of LDL-c translates to increased therapeutic benefit for the patient.
The Irish heart foundation recommends the following targets:
Target Cholesterol And Triglycerides:
| Total cholesterol: | <5 mmol/l |
| LDL cholesterol: | <3 mmol/l |
| HDL cholesterol: | >1 mmol/l |
| Triglycerides: | < 2 mmol/l |
For people with heart disease or diabetes :
| Total cholesterol: | < 4.5 mmol/l |
| LDL cholesterol: | < 1.8 mmol/l |
There are several algorithms available to assess CVD risk and when to initiate treatment.
https://statindecisionaid.mayoclinic.org/index.php/statin/index?PHPSESSID=7t5s8vcrtmlilekvejb4pd91g4
https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/1/111/5556353
https://www.escardio.org/Journals/ESC-Journal-Family/European-Journal-of-Preventive-Cardiology
