High cholesterol contributes to over a third of coronary heart disease burden. Despite well-established evidence supporting the benefits of cholesterol lowering for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), many patients fail to meet their lipid targets.

Hosted by the Heart Foundation in partnership with the World Heart Federation, this webinar explores the latest evidence around screening and management of high cholesterol for the reduction of CVD risk. Chaired by Prof. Garry Jennings, the expert panel explores the practical implementation of emerging evidence and tools and resources that can help improve the delivery of preventative CVD assessments in primary care.

Duration: 1 hour
Year recorded: 2021

Topics covered:

The relationship between lipid biomarkers and CVD risk
Practical update on new lipid lowering therapies for the prevention and treatment of CVD, including PCSK9 inhibitors and other therapies on the horizon
Brief introduction to the screening and diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolaemia in primary care
What general practices can do to champion CVD prevention and implement structured screening programs

Further reading:

Heart Health Check Toolkit
Absolute CVD Risk Guidelines
CPD e-learning module for GPs – Lipids in the limelight: A GP's guide to cutting CV risk*

*Please note this resource has not been endorsed by the Heart Foundation. It was independently produced by the Australian Doctor Group and supported by Amgen.

Webinar panellists

	Pamela Morris Professor at Medical University of South Carolina Dr. Pamela Morris is Professor of Medicine and Cardiology at MUSC, where she serves as Director of the Seinsheimer Cardiovascular Health Program. Dr. Morris is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, the American Society of Preventive Cardiology, and the National Lipid Association. She is the Secretary/Treasurer of the Executive Committee of the National Lipid Association. She serves as an Associate Editor of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. She is the current Chair of the American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Sessions for ACC.21 and ACC.22.
	Gerald Watts Professor at University of Western Australia Gerald Watts is a senior consultant physician, specialising in the rapidly developing field of cardio-metabolic medicine, and the current chair of the Familial Hypercholesterolemia Australasia Network. He leads the Cardio-metabolic Service in the Departments of Cardiology and Internal Medicine at Royal Perth Hospital and is Winthrop Professor of Cardio-metabolic Medicine in the University of Western Australia. Research interests include fundamental and applied aspects of lipid disorders and cardiovascular prevention, and improving healthcare delivery for patients with high risk dyslipidemias. Professor Watts has published over 700 articles and is on the editorial board of several journals.
	David Sullivan Associate Professor at University of Sydney David has a long-term interest in lipid metabolism with particular emphasis on the environmental component (especially dietary) of gene – environment interactions contributing to cardiovascular disease. He has been involved in the early use of many forms of lipid-lowering intervention. David has experience in several international clinical posts and has served on numerous clinical committees including the management committees of the LIPID and FIELD trials. Current research interests include biomarkers and post-prandial metabolism.
	Jo-Anne Manski-Nankervis Academic GP at University of Melbourne / Parkville Precinct Medical Jo-Anne Manski-Nankervis is an academic GP at the Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne and works clinically at Parkville Precinct Medical. She leads the Data driven quality improvement theme and Data for Decisions programs, conducting research into the development and implementation of technology to inform decision making in general practice and the use of data to describe general practice activity. Jo-Anne has a special interest in chronic disease management, including reduction of cardiovascular disease risk in general practice.

This event was hosted in partnership with the World Heart Federation and supported by Amgen.