Abstract
Patients who are at high or very high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events derive the greatest benefit when clinicians prescribe evidence-based preventive therapies. The writing process used in the creation of the 2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol employed a thorough evaluation of the highest quality evidence, and synthesis of this evidence into actionable recommendations for ASCVD risk reduction. Clinical trials supporting the addition of ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, or both to evidence-based statins provide the basis for the updated recommendations for the preventive care of these patients. The publication in late 2018 of a randomized controlled trial supporting the net ASCVD risk reduction benefit of adding icosapent ethyl to statins in selected hypertriglyceridemic patients with clinical ASCVD and/or type 2 diabetes with multiple additional risk markers provides the rationale for incorporation of icosapent ethyl therapy into future ASCVD preventive care regimens.
