United States Cholesterol Guidelines 2001: expanded scope of intensive low-density lipoprotein-lowering therapy.

The new clinical guidelines of the US National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) were released in May 2001. These guidelines were published as the NCEP's Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III report. They are derived from an extensive review of the emerging literature so as to provide an evidence-based report. Thanks to recent clinical trials of cholesterol-lowering therapy, it is possible to expand the scope of clinical management for both dietary and drug therapies. This expansion derives from a conclusive demonstration of efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of therapies. This article will review briefly the major features of ATP III.