Please note: this guideline has exceeded its review date and is currently under review by specialists. Exercise caution in the use of the clinical guideline.
Below is brief guidance on the management of cholesterol. For full guidance see NHSGGC StaffNet / Clinical Info / Clinical Guidelines Directory and search for 'Coronary heart disease and stroke, primary and secondary prevention guidelines (cholesterol)'.
Patients with established vascular disease are at high risk and should be treated with a statin regardless of total blood cholesterol concentration i.e. previous MI / pre- or post-CABG / pre- or post-angioplasty / angina / angiographic coronary artery disease / ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack / peripheral arterial disease / diabetic patients aged ≥40 years.
Atherosclerotic arterial disease is of multifactorial origin. No single risk factor, including cholesterol concentration, should be viewed in isolation.