Table 2. Determination of laboratory parameters.

Parameter	Measurement
Lipid status (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol)	Depending on the clinical circumstances Normal lipid status (without treatment): every 3–5 years or in event of relevant changes* Patients with elevated risk of atherosclerosis or metabolic disorders: annually After initiation/alteration of treatment: at 4–6 weeks, then every 3–6 months
Lipoprotein(a)	Once only (repeated if necesary for confirmation)
Creatine kinase	Before treatment with lipid-lowering medications; follow-up 4–6 weeks after beginning of treatment, then only in event of clinical symptoms
Liver function	Before treatment with lipid-lowering medications; follow-up 4–6 weeks after beginning of treatment, then only in event of clinical symptoms

^*For example: menopause, major change in weight, comorbidity such as diabetes mellitus or atherosclerosis