Despite the robustness of the literature on the topic, Australian clinicians and their patients still have a long way to go in optimising the management of dyslipidaemia. 50% of Australians have a total cholesterol above 5 mmol/l [1] and 57.5% of Australians in the high cardiovascular risk category are not appropriately treated for their risk factors [2].
This education explores the state of dyslipidaemia management in Australia via a panel-based discussion. It covers the prevalence, causes and impacts of poor lipid control, and explores the barriers to optimal lipid-lowering. The myriad treatment options are discussed, suggesting a rational and structured approach to lipid-lowering, including the role of PCSK9 inhibitors and emerging medication options.
Panellists also discuss the conundrum of the lack of definitive Australian lipid-lowering guidelines, and how cardiologists and GPs can collaborate on assertive cholesterol-lowering to the benefit of their patients.