Cholesterol consensus: a trans-Atlantic perspective. Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 31-October-1 November 1991.
Conference Paper
Overview
abstract
This consensus document has been drawn up following the round-table conference 'Cholesterol Consensus: a Trans-Atlantic Perspective', Amsterdam, 31 October and 1 November 1991. Its recommendations are as follows. Elevated plasma cholesterol level should be viewed as one of a number of important risk factors that contribute to the high incidence of coronary heart disease in industrialized societies. Control of lipid abnormalities forms an essential part of an overall preventive strategy of risk factor reduction. Both population and individual strategies are required. To reduce the mean plasma cholesterol levels of populations, a multidisciplinary approach is needed, involving the health-care professions, government, food manufacturers and distributors, community and consumer organizations, and the media. While it is desirable for all individuals to know their plasma cholesterol level, universal screening is recommended only where resources for treatment and follow-up are sufficient to cope with the case load detected. As an interim measure, screening should be focused on individuals at special risk. The recommendations of the European Atherosclerosis Society and the U.S. National Cholesterol Education Program should be followed with regard to thresholds for treatment by dietary counselling and pharmacological methods, and targets for cholesterol reduction. These recommendations should be periodically reviewed as new research data becomes available. A number of key areas for research are listed.
