American College of Physicians Guidelines on Cholesterol Screening

Philip Altus

doi:10.7326/0003-4819-125-12-199612150-00017

Letters |15 December 1996

American College of Physicians Guidelines on Cholesterol Screening

Philip Altus, MD

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TO THE EDITOR:

The guidelines on cholesterol screening published by the American College of Physicians [1] are disturbing. They represent one step forward and two steps backward in achieving the goal of preventing cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, the College's approach is discordant with its mission: to establish the highest clinical standards, to be foremost in comprehensive education, to advocate responsible positions, and to serve the professional needs of its members.

Cardiovascular disease is still the most common cause of both illness and death in the United States. Although there are many risk factors for this disease, lipid abnormalities are clearly both important and modifiable. Suggesting that patients not be screened for high cholesterol levels until the age of 35 years is sticking one's head in the sand and avoiding the problem. Furthermore, it is insulting to suggest that physicians would not know what to do with information on cholesterol levels if they had it. The implication is that patients would receive medications inappropriately. The National Cholesterol Education Program has published clear and conservative guidelines on when to prescribe medicine for low-risk patients.

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Letters |15 December 1996

American College of Physicians Guidelines on Cholesterol Screening

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Letters |15 December 1996

American College of Physicians Guidelines on Cholesterol Screening

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