Tailoring LDL-C Goals and Education Across Cardiovascular Risk Profiles

In this episode, “Tailoring LDL-C Goals and Education Across Cardiovascular Risk Profiles,” the cardiovascular experts explored the following questions:

How do low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals differ for patients who are high risk vs low risk for cardiovascular events?

What are best practices for pharmacists in educating patients about LDL-C and its role in cardiovascular events?

What other stakeholders are involved in patient education, and what is their role? Could they have a bigger impact?

The panelists examined LDL-C goals, which are more aggressive for high-risk patients, such as those with established cardiovascular disease, where targets often aim for less than 70 mg/dL or even lower, whereas low-risk patients may have less stringent thresholds focused on prevention and overall risk reduction. Pharmacists play a critical role in educating patients by simplifying complex lipid concepts, reinforcing adherence, addressing misconceptions about therapies, and providing ongoing counseling at key touchpoints. Effective patient education is multidisciplinary, involving physicians, nurses, dietitians, and care coordinators who each contribute to risk assessment, lifestyle counseling, and treatment optimization. Expanding the role of these stakeholders—particularly through coordinated, team-based care—can significantly enhance patient understanding, engagement, and long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

Throughout the conversation, the experts provide a comprehensive reflection on the field and the factors that may shape how clinicians approach care moving forward.

The next episode in this series, “Enhancing Risk Stratification with Coronary Calcium Scoring and Lp(a),” features the panelists advancing their conversation on hyperlipidemia and focusing on the role of coronary artery calcium scoring and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] in improving cardiovascular risk assessment beyond traditional markers. It highlights how these tools and new guidelines can inform more personalized treatment decisions and identify patients who may benefit from earlier or more intensive intervention.