Cardiovascular disease - statins

Summary

This guidance relates only to the initiation of statin therapy in adults with clinical evidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and in adults considered to be at risk of CVD. It assumes that other strategies for managing CVD risk are being appropriately considered when initiating statin therapy. The guidance does not include specific advice for genetic dyslipidaemias (for example, familial hypercholesterolaemia). The guidance relates only to the use of statins within their licensed indications.

A clinical guideline on cardiovascular risk assessment is currently in development (expected date of publication: September 2007).

This guidance has now been published and is available here.

Documents

For healthcare professionals

• TA94 Cardiovascular disease - statins: Guidance (Word)
• TA94 Cardiovascular disease - statins: Guidance
• TA94 Cardiovascular disease - statins: Quick reference guide

For patients, carers and the public

• TA94 Cardiovascular disease - statins: Information for the public

Background information

• 2006/002 NICE guidance on the use of statins set to benefit millions of adults
• TA94 Cardiovascular disease - statins: Distribution list

Implementing this guidance

Any further information NICE has produced to help the NHS implement this guideline locally is linked to below:

• TA94 Cardiovascular disease - statins: Analysis of cost impact