April 2005

Controversy in dyslipidemia guidelines

In 2003 the Canadian recommendations for the management and treatment of dyslipidemia were revised – but further revisions are in order, argue Manuel and colleagues in a commentary in this issue of CMAJ.

The authors argue that the current guidelines may lead to more people who are at low risk of coronary artery disease being screened and prescribed statin therapy, which will increase cost for little overall benefit.

Jacques Genest and colleagues, members of the Working Group on Hypercholesterolemia and Other Dyslipidemias, comment on the data used by Manuel and colleagues and question their approach. A rebuttal from the challengers concludes the debate.

p. 1027 The 2003 Canadian recommendations for dyslipidemia management: Revisions are needed – D.G. Manuel and others

p. 1033 The analysis by Manuel and colleagues creates controversy with headlines, not data – J. Genest, R. McPherson, J. Frolich, G. Fodor

p. 1037 Rebuttal – D.G. Manuel and colleagues