Elevated serum cholesterol values preceding myocardial infarction: the need for physician referral to lipid education
Lesko, R.M.; Abbey, D.E.
Journal of the American Osteopathic Association 87(1): 75-78
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0098-6151 PMID: 3818379 Document Number: 289951
The records of 66 HMO patients with a discharge diagnosis of myocardial infarction were evaluated retrospectively. Only 37 patients had serum cholesterol levels noted on their charts. Just 3 of the 27 patients with a serum cholesterol value .gtoreq. 240 mg./dl. were referred prior to infarction to a lipid education class, which was available within this HMO as part of its preventive patient education program. Therefore, there is a need in this HMO setting to improve physician awareness of preventive medicine, including the identification of elevated serum cholesterol through screening of lipids and the availability of lipid education. The lack of physician referral of patients for preventive education is not considered to be unique to this organization.