September is National Cholesterol Education Month, an annual observance aimed at raising awareness about the importance of managing cholesterol levels. The month is dedicated to educating the public about the heart disease risks associated with high cholesterol and the steps individuals can take to help maintain healthy levels.   It’s the perfect time to meet the animated characters called the “Lipid Lurkers”—a visual representation of an often-unnoticed risk lurking in patients’ artery walls. While they may look small and silly, they represent a very real and dangerous health threat. Fat and cholesterol are types of lipids transported through the blood. Certain types of lipids, particularly LDL-C or “bad” cholesterol, can lead to buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease or stroke.   This campaign was created to help educate and empower the nearly 100 million U.S. adults with high LDL-C—especially those who can’t take statins (medications to lower cholesterol) or who have uncontrolled cholesterol and haven’t reached their target levels despite treatment.   Now, there are solutions that offer an alternative to statins— additional options for lowering LDL cholesterol—while also lowering the risk of heart attacks and heart procedures like stent placement or bypass surgery    On Wednesday, September 10, LeAnne Bloedon, MS, RD, Vice President, Clinical Development at Esperion Therapeutics, will be available to discuss the havoc that too much bad cholesterol can cause inside artery walls—and how to lower your cholesterol.   She’ll also outline:   What high LDL cholesterol really does to your body (and why it’s often silent) Why managing cholesterol matters before your first cardiovascular event How the “Lipid Lurkers” campaign is making heart health more accessible, relatable, and even fun Who’s at risk—and what new options are available beyond traditional statins https://www.fiercepharma.com/marketing/esperions-lipid-lurkers-campaign-sheds-light-high-ldl-cholesterol-hiding-artery-walls

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Nearly 62 million adult Americans have high cholesterol[i], and that number is growing. Of these, up to 34 million people are on standard treatment, which typically includes statins, on top of diet and exercise. However, 1 in 4 still aren’t able to control their cholesterol and continue to have elevated LDL-C levels[ii], putting them at increased risk for cardiovascular disease – the #1 cause of death in the U.S.[iii] In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects deaths from cardiovascular disease to increase by approximately 25% by 2030.[iv]

Additionally, up to 2 million people have genetically high cholesterol, also known as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), which is harder to manage and puts them at up to 20-times higher risk for developing early heart disease in their 30s, 40s and 50s.[v],[vi]

People who require additional LDL-C lowering on top of statin therapy represent a high-risk population, who may need to consider other options when their cholesterol remains high despite standard treatment. Fortunately, there are non-statin treatment options that may help people reach their LDL-C goals.

As we approach February, American Heart Month, it’s important for people to think about their long-term health and how they can take care of their heart. Working with a healthcare provider to keep your cholesterol in check and finding a treatment option that helps you reach and maintain your goals are important ways people can take care of their health.

Katherine Wilemon from the FH Foundation, who had a heart attack at age 39 due to undiagnosed and unmanaged FH, and Dr. Pamela Taub, an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of California San Diego, will be available to discuss the risks associated with poorly managed cholesterol, risk factors for FH and treatment approaches that can make a difference for people who struggle to reach their cholesterol goals.

Interview is courtesy: Esperion Therapeutics

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