EHE International Releases Statement on ACC/AHA Guideline for Management of Blood Cholesterol

NEW YORK, Dec. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to a new American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) guideline for treatment of high cholesterol levels, EHE International Vice President of Medical Affairs Dr. Susan Spear issued the following statement:

"The Medical Advisory Board of EHE International has reviewed the guidelines, and finds the fundamental principles sound and very much in keeping with our approach. To treat high cholesterol effectively, each patient needs to be assessed individually based on family history, medical history and personal health behaviors. Then the patient and physician can come up with a treatment plan that makes sense and is realistic. Medication often plays a role, but the most effective, long-term way to improve health outcomes is through lifestyle changes. The new risk calculator certainly appears to have a role and benefit, but we can't confirm its usefulness without further analysis and prospective data. All we can say for now is that as an additional tool, it could be helpful."

The new guideline pinpoints four major groups of patients who can benefit from using moderate or high intensity statin therapy combined with lifestyle changes to reduce dangers posed by high cholesterol. The guideline urges doctors to focus on individual patients' health history and personal risk of heart problems. It also includes recommendations for a heart-healthy lifestyle, and a risk calculator. 

About EHE International
Established in 1913, EHE International is celebrating 100 years as the recognized leader in preventive medicine with the release of a new book, 100 Years of Preventive Health: The History of EHE International.  EHE's clinical protocols are specifically designed for early detection of preventable disease and associated risk factors, supported by robust personal coaching and health management tools and resources. EHE International is the oldest and largest preventive medicine specialist and its clinically based educational and social engagement platforms are the preferred choice among America's leading employers. For more information, visit www.eheintl.com.

About Susan Spear, MD
Dr. Susan Spear is vice president of medical affairs for EHE International. She is Chairperson of EHE's Medical Board of Advisors, and an Assistant Clinical Professor at Columbia University.

SOURCE EHE International