Dyslipidemia testing: Why, for whom and when

Abstract

Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This review addresses why, who and when to test for dyslipidemia. The essence why to test lipids is that those individuals recognized to potentially benefit from primary cardiovascular risk prevention, have a complete cardiovascular risk assessment. Who and when to test lipids differs among the major European, English and American guidelines regarding the recommended age and approach. It is important to note that the threshold and the frequency in whom to perform risk assessment is not established. Most important in decisions concerning lipid testing is communication and to involve individual circumstances.

Keywords: Cardiovascular disease; Dyslipidemia, Familial hypercholesterolemia; Guidelines; Lipid testing, screening.