Lipid Disorders and Cardiovascular Risk: A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and classification of hyperlipidemias and their role in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

2. Identify key risk factors, diagnostic criteria, and risk-enhancing factors relevant to lipid disorders in diverse patient populations.

3. Apply current clinical guidelines to assess cardiovascular risk and select appropriate non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions.

4. Analyze the safety, efficacy, and indications for established lipid-lowering therapies, including statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, and bempedoic acid.

5. Evaluate strategies for managing complex lipid disorders such as familial hypercholesterolemia, mixed dyslipidemia, and severe hypertriglyceridemia.

6. Discuss health disparities in lipid management and propose interventions to improve equity in cardiovascular care.

7. Integrate patient-centered communication and adherence strategies to enhance long-term treatment success.

8. Critically appraise emerging lipid therapies and recent clinical trial data to inform future practice.

Hyperlipidemias are a leading modifiable contributor to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), the foremost cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Despite widespread availability of effective therapies, significant gaps persist in screening, diagnosis, risk stratification, and long-term management—particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. This course equips healthcare providers with evidence-based strategies to navigate the evolving landscape of lipid management, including lifestyle interventions, pharmacologic therapies, and emerging treatments. Emphasis is placed on aligning clinical decision-making with current guidelines, addressing health disparities, and enhancing patient-centered care to improve cardiovascular outcomes across diverse practice settings.