Role of the Pharmacist in the Management of Dyslipidemia

Abstract

Dyslipidemia is one of a number of independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Numerous large-scale, randomized clinical trials demonstrate the benefit of aggressive lipid-modifying therapy in reducing the mortality and morbidity associated with cardiovascular disease. Despite these data and the wide dissemination of clinical practice guidelines outlining management strategies for patients with dyslipidemia, particularly those at the greatest cardiovascular risk, studies indicate that a significant proportion of patients are not screened, initiated on appropriate therapy, or treated to target lipid levels. Pharmacists, as part of the multidisciplinary team, can play a vital role in assisting in the management of patients with dyslipidemias. This article reviews published studies that have evaluated the pharmacist's role in lipid management, reviews the process for managing a patient with dyslipidemia, and provides suggestions on how pharmacists can become more involved in lipid management.