Results of new statin trials: should the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol treatment guidelines be revised?

In December 2002, the National Cholesterol Education Program published its third expert panel report on the detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood cholesterol in adults (Adult Treatment Panel III). Since then, many new studies suggest that a more aggressive approach should be taken in cholesterol therapy. Based on these new clinical trials, the National Cholesterol Education Program published recommended modifications to the Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines in July 2004. There is good evidence to support the proposed modifications to Adult Treatment Panel III, but there is still much uncertainty in many patient subsets. More evidence is necessary to clarify if current treatment guidelines and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goals are optimal for all patients within each risk category. These guidelines, and the proposed modifications, should be used as a tool to guide therapy that should be tailored to fit the overall risk assessment and needs of the individual patient.