Cholesterol complacency in Australia: time to revisit the basics of cardiovascular disease prevention

Abstract

There is a need for urgent public education and management by individuals and the health community. Strategies to address 'cholesterol complacency', in the sense of a willingness to accept sub-optimal standards of cholesterol control at both the patient and healthcare system levels (general practitioners in particular), are urgently needed to truncate an anticipated rising tide of cardiovascular disease in Australia.

Optimising management of hypertension in primary care: The Valsartan Intensified Primary Care Reduction of Blood Pressure (Viper-Bp) Study

“…In order to identify the features of contemporary primary care management of hypertension we surveyed (unpaid) 500 national GPs using a case scenario (see Box 1), similar to the application of a recent lipid management survey in primary care [17]. The following characteristics of hypertension management in primary care became apparent:…”

Feasibility and outcomes of screening for cardiovascular risk factors in the emergency department

“…The reports of previous risk factor screening and management might have been affected by recall and prevarication bias . Self‐report of height and weight data might have been inaccurate.…”

“…Of these, 66 (64.1%) had consulted their GP. The reasons for not doing so included being too busy (16 patients, 43.2%), ongoing health problems (6, 16.2%), already knowing their TC level (5,13.5%), forgetfulness (3, 8.1%), had an appointment scheduled (3, 8.1%) and not being concerned (2, 10.8%).…”

“…The National Heart Foundation of Australia (NHFA) recommends regular lipid testing, for adults >45 years, within the general practice or equivalent setting . However, lipid management continues to be undermanaged . An estimated 50% of adult Australians remain at risk for a cardiovascular‐related event because of high lipid levels .…”

“…4 However, lipid management continues to be undermanaged. 4,5 An estimated 50% of adult Australians remain at risk for a cardiovascular-related event because of high lipid levels. 6 A similar problem exists with regard to HT.…”