Lp(a): A Toolkit for Health Care Professionals

15 The Importance of Shared Decision-Making Clinicians and patients must work in tandem to arrive at an informed decision. Consider these important factors: z Because cholesterol-lowering therapy is for a lifetime, involve patients in decision-making 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 ASCVD and how the treatment recommendations reduce ASCVD risk. z Encourage your patient 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 checklist to facilitate shared decision-making with the patient. 14 Of Note… Evidence indicates that measuring Lp(a) may reclassify ASCVD 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), if measured, as a risk-enhancing factor, with assessment of Lp(a) indicated in women with hypercholesteremia and in people with a family history of premature ASCVD. 14