Atherosclerotic CVD

It is estimated that nearly 127 million Americans are living with one or more forms of cardiovascular disease, and nearly 29% of American adults have high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Elevated LDL-C is well understood to be directly associated with the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), leading to increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Despite advances in the pharmacologic treatment of dyslipidemia, hypercholesterolemia remains a significant public health problem in the U.S.

A significant portion of the population, including those considered high-risk, are receiving sub-optimal or no treatment to lower their cholesterol. On top of this barrier, specific populations are faced with even worse treatment rates, including factors such as gender, race/ethnicity, and access to health insurance. New treatment guidelines and recommendations have been on the scene since 2018, and nurses are poised to support patients in improving ASCVD-related outcomes.