Lp(a) and LDL-C Management: Exploring Divergent Perspectives

Target Audience
The intended audience for this activity is cardiologists, endocrinologists, internists, pharmacists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals involved in the management of patients with hyperlipidemia and other cardiovascular risk factors.

Program Overview
Lp(a) and LDL-C Management: Exploring Divergent Perspectives is a continuing education (CE) initiative aimed at broadening healthcare professionals' understanding of the complex nature of hyperlipidemia management. With a focus on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], this program addresses hyperlipidemia as a chronic and evolving condition that demands an integrated approach involving diet, lifestyle alterations, and innovative lipid-lowering treatments. It illuminates the critical role of LDL-C in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and positions Lp(a) as a standalone, causative risk factor exacerbating ASCVD through mechanisms such as increased atherogenesis, inflammation, and thrombosis. The necessity for a deeper comprehension and improved screening methods for Lp(a) is underscored, highlighting the critical need for bolstered clinical proficiency in managing these risk factors.

The CE program's engaging "Clinical Counterpoints" format facilitates an immersive educational journey, using case studies to explore and debate the nuanced aspects of lipid management. This format is constructed to arm clinicians with the requisite knowledge and insights for informed decision-making concerning patient risk assessment and hyperlipidemia treatment strategies. Its learning objectives are designed to guide participants through identifying patients at risk due to elevated Lp(a), applying the latest guidelines for managing high LDL-C levels, evaluating the evidence supporting current and investigational therapies, and enhancing healthcare team dynamics through shared decision-making and interprofessional patient care coordination.

Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this activity, participants should be better able to:

Outline approaches to identify patients with elevated Lp(a) who may be at risk for cardiovascular events.
Apply the most recent guidelines to manage patients with elevated LDL-C.
Appraise the clinical evidence for conventional and investigational therapies for the management of Lp(a).
Consider the safety and efficacy of current and emerging therapies for the reduction of LDL-C in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
Discuss approaches to improve the knowledge, skills, or performance of the healthcare team including shared decision-making and interprofessional coordination of patient care.