CME Information

Evidence and Insights: Making the Case for Greater CVD Risk Reduction was a satellite symposium at the AHA annual meeting in November 2006. The program brought together expert faculty in the area of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment, screening, and treatment to examine CVD risk factors and risk reduction.

The format included short presentations by faculty members followed by periods of discussion in an attempt to draw out key issues and controversies in the area of CVD risk reduction. A lively conversation between the faculty brought to light some interesting challenges in the context of primary and secondary CVD prevention: How useful is the Framingham Risk Assessment Tool, and what are the limitations that need to be considered? Is LDL-C the best marker for risk assessment and response to therapy in primary prevention? What other potential biomarkers may offer additional prognostic impact to the arena of primary and secondary CVD risk prevention?

This newsletter highlights some of the main points from each presentation and provides insights based on discussions throughout the program.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Delineate the broad range of modifiable risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD), based on the Framingham risk assessment and relative long-term pathologic impact;
• Translate global information about CHD risk to specific case examples and appropriate treatment customized to individual patient needs;
• Understand important metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors, and the impact of various therapies to reduce CHD risk;
• Describe established and emerging dyslipidemic risk factors, including elevated LDL, triglycerides, atherogenic lipid particles, and reduced HDL levels; and
• Relate evidence-based clinical data that demonstrate the importance of aggressive LDL reduction to reduce CHD risk, especially in high-risk patients.

Target Audience

This activity is intended for cardiologists and other health care professionals who treat CHD.

Accreditation

The Potomac Center for Medical Education is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CME Credit

The Potomac Center for Medical Education designates this educational activity for a maximum of .5 AMA PRA Category I credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Disclosure

Potomac Center for Medical Education (PCME) adheres to the guidelines of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) and all other professional organizations, as applicable, stating those activities where continuing education credits are awarded must be balanced, independent, objective, and scientifi cally rigorous. All faculty in a position to control the content of a continuing medical education program sponsored by the Potomac Center for Medical Education are required to disclose any relevant financial relationships with any commercial interest. All conflicts are identifi ed and resolved by PCME in advance of delivery of the activity to learners.