An audit of lipid screening and management in patients undergoing diagnostic cardiac catheterization

In the group as a whole and despite current therapy, 169/206 (82%) patients had a total cholesterol >5-2 and 163/206 (79%) a TC/HDL ratio >5. Only 22 (11%) patients were on drug therapy with a further 43 (21%) practising dietary modification. In the vast majority of subjects receiving some form of lipid intervention, target lipid levels had not been achieved. This study identifies the need for more intensive management of hyperlipidaemia in patients with coronary artery disease. Knowledge of HDL levels may be of value in guiding lipid secondary prevention management in the patient population evaluated at an angiographic centre. (Eur Heart J 1996; 17: 1657-1662)