LipidManagement™ is certified for CME credit. PLEASE NOTE: LipidManagement™ now offers 1 category 1 credit toward the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award FOR EACH OF THE QUARTERLY ISSUES. Readers can apply for instant CME credit quarterly. Simply click on the “LipidManagement™ Newsletter” navigation bar. Then just click on the link for the current issue’s CME test, answer the questions, and apply for instant credit. LEARNING OBJECTIVES After reading the articles in this issue of LipidManagement™, participants should be able to: • Discuss the ways in which findings from current clinical trials can be applied to the primary care patient with diabetic dyslipidemia • Establish protocols for the treatment and management of dyslipidemia in the patient with diabetes • Assess the value and appropriateness of the use of hormone replacement therapy in the postmenopausal woman at risk for, or with, CHD Intended audience: primary care physicians, cardiologists, endocrinologists, ob/gyns Release date: September 30, 2003 End date: September 30, 2004 This CME activity is sponsored by Thomson Professional Postgraduate Services®, Secaucus, NJ.      Thomson Professional Postgraduate Services® is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.      Thomson Professional Postgraduate Services® designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1 category 1 credit toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those credits that he/she actually spent in the activity.

AHA Survey: Public Lacks Understanding of Cholesterol Management Although heart disease and cholesterol are often discussed in mainstream literature and consumer advertising, the majority of US adults remain unaware of their specific risks and the links between them. A national survey1 was conducted on behalf of the American Heart Association in which more than 1,100 US adults (aged 40 years and older) were queried on their knowledge of cholesterol and heart disease. Results show that, despite public education and national guidelines, many individuals are either ill-informed or completely lack an understanding of CHD and cholesterol and other risk factors. KEY POINTS FROM THE SURVEY: Importance of a healthy cholesterol level. More than 42% said they didn’t know what a desirable cholesterol level is for a healthy adult. Ten percent believed that a cholesterol level of 200-239 mg/dL was desirable. Knowledge of national guidelines. Of those surveyed, 55% were not aware of national guidelines for cholesterol management. Awareness of current cholesterol level. 51% didn’t know their total cholesterol levels. What Sources Do You Rely on for Cholesterol Information? Sources for cholesterol information. Respondents by far (67%) said they rely on their doctors for information on cholesterol. Less than 4% listed the Internet as the source for such information. Are You Aware of National Cholesterol Guidelines? Most recent discussion on cholesterol with a healthcare professional. Most respondents said that they’ve had conversations with their doctor within the past year about cholesterol management and their own “personal cholesterol goal.” Approximately 15% said they have never had such a discussion with a healthcare professional.      Conclusion: The public’s understanding of cholesterol management needs much improvement. Physicians can take advantage of the fact that most of those surveyed rely primarily on their doctors for information on cholesterol by facilitating open and frank discussions with their patients. REFERENCE 1. Nash IS, Mosca L, Blumenthal RS, Davidson MH, Smith SC, Pasternak RC. Contemporary awareness and understanding of cholesterol as a risk factor. Results of an American Heart Association national survey. Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:1597-1600.