Which group of patients should be treated for dyslipidemia according to the ACC/AHA guidelines?

The ACC/AHA guidelines for the treatment of dyslipidemia emphasize the importance of targeting individuals who have a higher risk for cardiovascular events. Patients with known atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) are among the highest-risk groups. This includes individuals who have a history of conditions such as myocardial infarction, stroke, or peripheral artery disease.

Treating dyslipidemia in this population is crucial because these patients already demonstrate evidence of plaque buildup in their arteries, which significantly increases their risk of further cardiovascular complications. The guidelines recommend high-intensity statin therapy for these patients, which has been shown to reduce the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events.

While other factors such as obesity, family history of diabetes, and hypertension play a role in cardiovascular risk and may warrant attention in managing overall health, they are not specific criteria for initiating treatment for dyslipidemia according to the ACC/AHA recommendations. Instead, they can be considered in a broader assessment of a patient's cardiovascular risk profile. The clear focus on those with established ASCVD aligns the treatment strategy with evidenced-based approaches to improve outcomes in high-risk populations.