Does a lipid clinic increase compliance with National Cholesterol Education Program treatment guidelines? Report of a case-matched controlled study

Despite a national effort to promote measurement of cholesterol levels in adults, previous studies have shown that poor control is the norm. We sought to determine the effects of implementation of a structured lipid treatment program. Forty-one clinic-managed patients were matched with similar control patients. Clinic patients had more risk factors overall and therefore lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) goals. They had significantly greater LDL reduction after the 6-month visit, resulting in a lower final LDL level. The percentage of patients reaching the LDL goal recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) was the primary endpoint of the study. The NCEP guidelines were followed more frequently within the clinic, and significantly more clinic patients were treated to NCEP LDL goal than control patients. When indicated, medication was more frequently used and titrated in clinic patients. This study shows the efficacy of an organized lipid treatment clinic in management of dyslipidemia.