Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in America. Yet a major risk factor—elevated LDL cholesterol—is too often neither measured nor actively managed. Instead of tracking whether patients’ cholesterol is actually controlled, current quality measures focus only on whether a statin was prescribed. Patients are left in the dark, and preventable heart attacks and strokes continue.
This must change. Just as patients with hypertension monitor their blood pressure and patients with diabetes track their A1C, people at risk for cardiovascular disease deserve to know—and manage—their LDL cholesterol.
What is measured is managed. Giving patients an actual number empowers them to take control of their heart health.
Tell CMS: It’s time to measure what matters.