Undertreatment of hypercholesterolemia.

Abstract Recent guidelines recommend strict goals for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (1.8-2.6 mmol/L; 70-100 mg/dL). However, these goals are not always met and many primary and secondary prevention patients are not optimally controlled. Both the under-prescription of lipid-lowering medication and lack of adherence to prescribed medications could account for this situation. In this issue of the journal, two studies evaluated the under-treatment of hypercholesterolemia in European countries, as well as patient/physician characteristics that are related to poor control of LDL-C. This editorial considers the implications of these findings. While we have come far in recent years in terms of treating hypercholesterolemia, we still have considerable room for improvement and progress towards evidence-based clinical practice.