Addressing Disparities in the Screening and Treatment of Dyslipidemia – A Call to Action

Purpose of Review: In this review, we discuss the prevalence and reasons for such disparities, as well as the social determinants of health that compound such disparities and their effect on adverse cardiovascular outcomes. We also discuss factors contributing to these disparities and how to address them. Recent Findings: Cardiovascular mortality has increased in the United States (US) since 2015 after 5 decades of decline, with a higher rate of increase in certain racial/ethnic groups compared to non-Hispanic Whites. (Tsao et al., Circulation. 2023;147:e93–621) There has also been a concomitant worsening of cardiovascular risk factor profiles in US adults (i.e., rising rates of hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia). Despite recommendations for lipid screening by various health agencies and guidelines, screening rates remain suboptimal among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic adults, especially in women. Significant disparities exist in lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) prescribing, initiation, dosing, and adherence. Several factors influence racial and gender disparities, including social determinants of health, clinician factors, and lack of culturally inclusive initiatives. Summary: Although lipid management has improved over decades, racial and gender disparities still persist. In this review, we offer a few strategies to mitigate these disparities and discuss a toolkit that can be implemented to ensure equitable cardiovascular preventive care in all racial groups and sexes.