FIGURE.

Treatment algorithm for the primary prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD). The main changes in the updated National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines are the lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal of less than 100 mg/dL for individuals with 2 or more CAD risk factors and a Framingham risk score of 10% to 20%. The presence of multiple or severe risk factors, an elevated level of C-reactive protein (CRP), or other risk factors identified in the updated guidelines justify more intensive LDL-C level lowering with drug therapy to achieve a lower LDL-C goal of less than 100 mg/dL. CAC = coronary artery calcium; HDL-C = high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; TG = triglycerides. SI conversion factors: To convert cholesterol (HDL-C, LDL-C) levels to mmol/L, multiply by 0.0259; to convert CRP values to nmol/L, multiply by 9.524; to convert TG values to mmol/L, multiply by 0.0113.