The National Cholesterol Education Program.

The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) is a cooperative effort by the major health and medical organizations in the United States. The goal of the program is to reduce the prevalence of elevated blood cholesterol and thereby contribute to reducing coronary heart disease (CHD) morbidity and mortality. Through educational efforts aimed at professionals and the public, the NCEP seeks to raise awareness and understanding about high blood cholesterol as a risk factor for CHD and about the benefits of lowering elevated cholesterol as a means of preventing CHD.