Dyslipidemia management in women of reproductive potential: An expert clinical consensus from the national lipid association.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among women and its incidence has been increasing recently, particularly among younger women. Across major professional society guidelines, dyslipidemia management remains a central tenet for atherosclerotic CVD prevention for both women and men. Despite this, women, particularly young women, who are candidates for statin therapy are less likely to be treated and less likely to achieve their recommended therapeutic objectives for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Elevated LDL-C and triglycerides are the two most common dyslipidemias that should be addressed during pregnancy due to the increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and pre-term delivery, as well as pancreatitis in the presence of severe hypertriglyceridemia. In this National Lipid Association Expert Clinical Consensus, we review the roles of nutrition, physical activity, and pharmacotherapy as strategies to address elevated levels of LDL-C and/or triglycerides among women of reproductive age. We include a special focus on points to consider during the shared decision-making discussion regarding pharmacotherapy for dyslipidemia during preconception planning, pregnancy, and lactation.

Obesity, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease: A joint expert review from the Obesity Medicine Association and the National Lipid Association 2024.

BACKGROUND: This joint expert review by the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) and National Lipid Association (NLA) provides clinicians an overview of the pathophysiologic and clinical considerations regarding obesity, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. METHODS: This joint expert review is based upon scientific evidence, clinical perspectives of the authors, and peer review by the OMA and NLA leadership. RESULTS: Among individuals with obesity, adipose tissue may store over 50% of the total body free cholesterol. Triglycerides may represent up to 99% of lipid species in adipose tissue. The potential for adipose tissue expansion accounts for the greatest weight variance among most individuals, with percent body fat ranging from less than 5% to over 60%. While population studies suggest a modest increase in blood low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels with excess adiposity, the adiposopathic dyslipidemia pattern most often described with an increase in adiposity includes elevated triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), increased non-HDL-C, elevated apolipoprotein B, increased LDL particle concentration, and increased small, dense LDL particles. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity increases CVD risk, at least partially due to promotion of an adiposopathic, atherogenic lipid profile. Obesity also worsens other cardiometabolic risk factors. Among patients with obesity, interventions that reduce body weight and improve CVD outcomes are generally associated with improved lipid levels. Given the modest improvement in blood LDL-C with weight reduction in patients with overweight or obesity, early interventions to treat both excess adiposity and elevated atherogenic cholesterol (LDL-C and/or non-HDL-C) levels represent priorities in reducing the risk of CVD.

Saturated Fat Intake and the Prevention and Management of Cardiovascular Disease in Adults: An Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence-Based Nutrition Practice Guideline.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States and globally and is largely attributable to atherosclerosis. Evidence indicates that multiple dietary components contribute to the complex causes of CVD and associated events and mortality. Public health authorities and scientific organizations have recommended reduced saturated fatty acid (SFA) intake for decades to promote cardiovascular health, which is linked to favorable impacts on established and emerging atherosclerotic CVD risk factors. Recently, a debate has emerged about whether SFA intake should be reduced for CVD prevention, which has contributed to confusion among health care professionals, including registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), and the general public, and necessitates the critical evaluation of the evidence. The objective of this evidence-based nutrition practice guideline is to provide health care and public health professionals, particularly RDNs, with evidence-based recommendations on how to address SFA intake in adults within an individualized healthy dietary pattern. Moderate evidence supports the reduction of SFA intake for CVD event reduction, low- to moderate-certainty evidence supports prioritization of replacement of SFAs with polyunsaturated fatty acids, and low-certainty evidence supports focusing on reducing the total amount of SFA rather than specific food sources of SFA. Guideline implementation should include consideration of individual preferences; principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access; and potential nutritional deficiencies that may occur with reduced SFA intake. Future research is needed to address gaps that were identified and provide high-quality evidence to support stronger future recommendations based on the relationship between SFA and CVD.

Nutrition interventions for adults with dyslipidemia: A Clinical Perspective from the National Lipid Association.

Lifestyle habits can have a profound impact on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. The National Lipid Association previously published recommendations for lifestyle therapies to manage dyslipidemia. This Clinical Perspective provides an update with a focus on nutrition interventions for the three most common dyslipidemias in adults: 1) low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) elevation; 2) triglyceride (TG) elevation, including severe hypertriglyceridemia with chylomicronemia; and 3) combined dyslipidemia, with elevations in both LDL-C and TG levels. Lowering LDL-C and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol are the primary objectives for reducing ASCVD risk. With severe TG elevation (≥500 mg/dL), the primary objective is to prevent pancreatitis and ASCVD risk reduction is secondary. Nutrition interventions that lower LDL-C levels include reducing cholesterol-raising fatty acids and dietary cholesterol, as well as increasing intakes of unsaturated fatty acids, plant proteins, viscous fibers, and reducing adiposity for patients with overweight or obesity. Selected dietary supplements may be employed as dietary adjuncts. Nutrition interventions for all patients with elevated TG levels include restricting intakes of alcohol, added sugars, and refined starches. Additional lifestyle factors that reduce TG levels are participating in daily physical activity and reducing adiposity in patients with overweight or obesity. For patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia, an individualized approach is essential. Nutrition interventions for addressing concurrent elevations in LDL-C and TG include a combination of the strategies described for lowering LDL-C and TG. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended to facilitate success in making and sustaining dietary changes and the assistance of a registered dietitian nutritionist is highly recommended.

Pharmacotherapy for obesity: recent evolution and implications for cardiovascular risk reduction.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is highly prevalent in the U.S. and is associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Modalities for the management of obesity include lifestyle intervention, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery. AREAS COVERED: This review describes the evidence on the effects of weight loss therapies on MACE risk. Lifestyle interventions and older antiobesity pharmacotherapies have been associated with <12% body weight reduction and no clear benefit to reduce MACE risk. Bariatric surgery is associated with substantial weight reduction (20-30%) and markedly lower subsequent risk for MACE. Newer antiobesity pharmacotherapies, particularly semaglutide and tirzepatide, have shown greater efficacy for weight reduction compared with older medications and are being evaluated in cardiovascular outcomes trials. EXPERT OPINION: Current practice for cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with obesity is lifestyle intervention for weight loss, combined with the treatment of obesity-related cardiometabolic risk factors individually. The use of medications to treat obesity is relatively rare. In part, this reflects concerns about long-term safety and weight loss effectiveness, possible provider bias, as well as lack of clear evidence of MACE risk reduction. If ongoing outcomes trials demonstrate the efficacy of newer agents in reducing MACE risk, this will likely lead to expanded use in obesity management.

Keto is Trending: Implications for Body Weight and Lipid Management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Very-low-carbohydrate (VLC) and ketogenic diets (KDs) have been used for weight loss and more recently in patients with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The impact of VLC and KDs on lipids/lipoproteins is a concern. The purpose of this review is to discuss the impact of KDs on body weight and lipids/lipoproteins. RECENT FINDINGS: VLC/KDs contribute to greater weight loss in the short term (< 6 months) compared to higher carbohydrate diets, but there is typically no difference between the diets by 12 months. Triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels generally improve, but there is a variable response in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, with some individuals experiencing a dramatic increase, particularly those with latent genetic dyslipidemias. Healthcare professionals should educate patients on the risks and benefits of following VLC/KDs and encourage the consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods associated with positive health outcomes.

Saturated fats and cardiovascular health: Current evidence and controversies.

A diet high in saturated fatty acids (SFA) is a suspected contributor to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, in large part because of an effect to raise the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration. Most dietary guidance from health authorities advocates limiting intake of SFA, particularly for people with clinical ASCVD, dyslipidemia, or diabetes mellitus. However, recent reviews have highlighted controversies regarding SFA intake and cardiovascular health. This brief editorial commentary includes a discussion of the evidence regarding SFA intake and cardiovascular health, outlines gaps in the available evidence, and proposes tentative conclusions based on what is known today about SFA consumption and ASCVD risk. Results from observational studies demonstrate that dietary patterns with lower average intakes of SFA are associated with favorable cardiovascular outcomes. Additionally, although the number of randomized controlled trials testing the effects of reducing SFA intake on ASCVD outcomes is limited, the available evidence supports the view that replacing SFA with unsaturated fatty acids, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids, may reduce ASCVD risk. Beyond raising LDL-C and atherogenic lipoprotein particle concentrations, higher intakes of SFA may influence pathways affecting inflammation, cardiac rhythm, hemostasis, apolipoprotein CIII production, and high-density lipoprotein function. However, the impacts of these effects on ASCVD risk remain uncertain. In the authors' view, the totality of the evidence supports the current recommendation to limit SFA intake to <10% of total daily energy for the general healthy population and further (e.g., to 5-6% of total daily energy) for patients with hypercholesterolemia.

Dietary Influences on Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk.

PURPOSEOF REVIEW: Professional organizations recommend various healthy dietary patterns for atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASCVD) prevention. The purpose of this review is to discuss the evidence for the recommended healthy dietary patterns and ASCVD risk reduction, as well as briefly review specific areas of controversy. RECENT FINDINGS: The Mediterranean, Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension, and plant-based dietary patterns have been associated with lower ASCVD risk in observational studies. The Mediterranean dietary pattern has been demonstrated to reduce ASCVD event risk in a large, randomized, controlled trial. Observational studies demonstrate dietary patterns with higher quality foods are associated with decreased ASCVD risk and mortality. Healthy dietary patterns emphasize higher intakes of plant-based foods, lean animal protein sources, and non-tropical oils, while limiting intakes of sugar-sweetened products, refined grains, and processed meats. Encouraging individuals to consume healthy dietary patterns with high-quality foods can promote ASCVD prevention and overall health.

JCL roundtable: Low-carbohydrate diets.

Low- and very-low-carbohydrate diets have long attracted popular interest in the US and variably throughout the world. The potential value of these diets was recognized recently in a Consensus Report from the American Diabetes Association and expanded in a Scientific Statement from the National Lipid Association. Scientific evidence remains incomplete, but is beginning to catch up with popular trends. In this JCL Roundtable, 3 experts discuss the evidence behind these diets, their current place in nutrition practice, and areas needing more study. The carbohydrate-insulin model of obesity is presented as one explanation for dietary effectiveness. Ongoing research will delineate this model further. The experts, all clinicians, give practical advice for when and how to incorporate low-carbohydrate principles into dietary counseling.

The Effects of Carbohydrate-Restricted Dietary Patterns and Physical Activity on Body Weight and Glycemic Control.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Carbohydrate (CHO)-restricted dietary patterns (very-low-CHO < 25-50 g CHO/day; low CHO 50-130 g CHO/day) and physical activity are used for weight loss and type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevention and management. This review discusses evidence for effects of these lifestyle therapies on body weight and glycemic control. RECENT FINDINGS: Evidence supports the view that CHO-restricted interventions may be more effective than high-CHO, low-fat (HCLF) interventions in the short term for weight loss and glycemic control, but both produced similar levels of weight loss and glycemic control by 12 months. CHO-restricted dietary patterns resulted in a decreased use of diabetes medications. Benefits of CHO restriction were achieved at intakes that did not induce ketosis. Physical activity increases insulin sensitivity and reduces pancreatic beta-cell load, enhancing the effect of weight loss to delay or prevent T2D. A CHO-restricted dietary pattern may be a reasonable option for weight loss and T2D management for some individuals. Physical activity enhances weight management and cardiometabolic health.

Review of current evidence and clinical recommendations on the effects of low-carbohydrate and very-low-carbohydrate (including ketogenic) diets for the management of body weight and other cardiometabolic risk factors: A scientific statement from the National Lipid Association Nutrition and Lifestyle Task Force.

Historically, low-carbohydrate (CHO) and very-low-CHO diets have been used for weight loss. Recently, these diets have been promoted for type 2 diabetes (T2D) management. This scientific statement provides a comprehensive review of the current evidence base available from recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the effects of low-CHO and very-low-CHO diets on body weight, lipoprotein lipids, glycemic control, and other cardiometabolic risk factors. In addition, evidence on emerging risk factors and potential safety concerns of low-CHO and very-low-CHO diets, especially for high-risk individuals, such as those with genetic lipid disorders, was reviewed. Based on the evidence reviewed, low-CHO and very-low-CHO diets are not superior to other dietary approaches for weight loss. These diets may have advantages related to appetite control, triglyceride reduction, and reduction in the use of medication in T2D management. The evidence reviewed showed mixed effects on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels with some studies showing an increase. There was no clear evidence for advantages regarding effects on other cardiometabolic risk markers. Minimal data are available regarding long-term (>2 years) efficacy and safety. Clinicians are encouraged to consider the evidence discussed in this scientific statement when counseling patients on the use of low-CHO and very-low-CHO diets.

Nonvitamin, nonmineral supplement use and beliefs about safety and efficacy among rural older adults in southeast and south central Idaho.

This study examined the use of herbal, botanical, and nonherbal dietary supplements (referred to as nonvitamin, nonmineral [NVNM] supplements) among rural older adults residing in southeast and south central Idaho, and explored perceptions of the safety and efficacy of these supplements. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 365 rural older adults participating in a congregate meals program at a local senior center using a written questionnaire developed for the study. Of the 365 study participants, 39.5% reported using NVNM supplements in the past 12 months. The majority of the participants felt that the NVNM supplements they used were effective, and few reported adverse effects. The majority of the participants felt that NVNM supplements were safe; however, safety concerns were expressed specifically in terms of concurrent use with prescription medication.