ECONOMIC-BENEFITS OF AGGRESSIVE LIPID-LOWERING - A MANAGED CARE PERSPECTIVE

Coronary heart disease (CHD) has high prevalence in the United States and is associated with significant mortality as well as costs to socie ty. Hyperlipidemia is a major and common modifiable risk factor for CH D. In clinical trials, cholesterol-lowering strategies have a dramatic impact on CHD risk, cardiovascular events, and mortality. Cost-effect iveness data have established that clinical and economic benefits are gained by instituting early and aggressive lipid-lowering therapy. We present new evidence for the clinical benefits and cost effectiveness of aggressive lipid-lowering therapy as primary or secondary preventio n of CHD and describe strategies that managed care organizations can t ake to benefit from a lipid management program.