Assessment of Reaching Goal in Patients with Combined Hyperlipidemia: Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, or Apolipoprotein B

It is well established that patients with combined hyperlipidemia, defined as elevated triglyceride levels between 200 and 500 mg/dL and elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol >130 mg/dL, are at increased risk for coronary artery disease. The optimal assessment of reaching lipid goals in patients with combined hyperlipidemia is still far from settled and has been an area of revision and modification in recent guidelines. Although controversy remains as to the best single measurement to be used in treatment goals, current focus is on the use of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B. This article reviews the use of these 3 biomarkers in assessing cardiovascular risk, and the strategies for managing combined hyperlipidemia.