ATP III: Third Report of the NCEP Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults

12-14. Reduce the proportion of adults with high total blood cholesterol levels.

12-15. Increase the proportion of adults who have had their blood cholesterol checked within the preceding 5 years.

12-16. Increase the proportions of persons with coronary heart disease who have their LDL-cholesterol level treated to goal of less than or equal to 100 mg/dL.

Detect and Treat Risk Factors

Increase the percentage of patients who have their CVD risk factors detected and who implement lifestyle and/or pharmacologic intervention and successfully control their blood pressure and cholesterol levels and weight to prevent the development of CVD.

Prevent Recurrence and Complications of Cardiovascular Disease

Increase the percentage of CVD patients who are treated appropriately with lifestyle changes and drugs, and who reach goal LDL cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and successfully control their weight and other CVD risk factors to reduce CVD events.

Provide up-to-date clinical guidance to practitioners for optimal cholesterol management by producing and releasing the evidence-based and science-based Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III report. Companion products will include an executive summary of the full report highlighting the treatment recommendations, a pocket card showcasing “at-a-glance” information for the practitioner, and a Web-based PowerPoint slide set for teaching purposes. In a subsequent effort, the ATP III report will be used to update the patient and public information on the NCEP “Live Healthier, Live Longer” interactive Web application (www.nhlbi.nih.gov/chd/), which currently is based on ATP II.

Since the release of the ATP II guidelines in 1993, a series of clinical trials has proven the benefits of cholesterol lowering. The new evidence has generally supported the ATP II recommendations. Nevertheless, several issues require updating in the light of recent science. Under the chairmanship of Dr. Scott Grundy, ATP III will address these issues, will review the evidence, and will produce an evidence-based and science-based report containing the latest clinical guidelines for cholesterol management.