Through its Lipid Clinic Network, the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) presents the first worldwide consensus on lipid clinics, drawing on data from 55 countries and more than 500 clinics. Lipid clinics deliver specialised diagnostics, lifestyle management and evidence-based lipid-lowering therapy to high-risk patients — including those with familial hypercholesterolaemia, markedly elevated lipoprotein(a), statin intolerance, refractory LDL cholesterol, severe hypertriglyceridaemia and other rare or complex lipid disorders — to prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and acute pancreatitis. The statement defines lipid clinics across four tiers and offers practical guidance on staffing, referral criteria, Lp(a) and genetic testing, quality monitoring and funding, highlighting the major differences between countries by income level. The authors — including Jeanine Roeters van Lennep (Erasmus MC) — call for national and international harmonisation so that patients everywhere receive equitable, high-quality lipid care.
Because one in three of all individuals die from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), prevention of ASCVD is key to public health worldwide. Lipid clinics provide specialized diagnostic assessment, lifestyle management, and evidence-based lipid-lowering treatment to prevent ASCVD and acute pancreatitis in high-risk individuals. This includes individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia and/or markedly increased lipoprotein(a), statin intolerance, refractory or difficult-to-control low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, severe hypertriglyceridaemia, and other rare or complex lipid disorders.
