15 The Importance of Shared Decision-Making Clinicians and patients should work in tandem to arrive at an informed treatment decision. Consider these important factors: z Because cholesterol-lowering therapy is intended to be prescribed for a lifetime, patients should be involved in shared decision-making about treatment options to encourage better health outcomes, better health care experiences and lower costs. z Discuss recommendations for lifestyle modifications, pharmacological treatment and therapy goals. z Explain the patient’s risk of clinical CVD and how the treatment recommendations reduce CVD risk. z Encourage patients to verbalize values, attitudes, abilities, concerns, and personal goals for making lifestyle changes and taking medications, including concerns about cost or side effects. z Use a guide to facilitate shared decision-making with the patient.3 Access to the American Heart Association’s Lp(a) Discussion Guide at heart.org/lpa Of Note… Evidence indicates that measuring Lp(a) may reclassify CVD risk and aid in pharmacotherapy decision-making. Repeat measurement of Lp(a) isn’t recommended as the clinical value of serial measurements hasn’t been established.6 AHA/ACC guidelines characterize Lp(a) >50 mg/dL (≥125 nmol/L) as a risk-enhancing factor, with assessment of Lp(a) indicated in women with hypercholesteremia and in people with a family history of premature CVD.3 Lp(a): A Toolkit for Health Care Professionals Scan to view a video on shared decisionmaking.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2NjI=