Frequency of testing for dyslipidemia

"We conducted a systematic search for studies that attempted to identify the most cost-effective frequency of lipid profile testing in adults. None were found. In the absence of alternative evidence, the Ontario Health Technology Assessment Committee recommended testing according to the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) guidelines. These guidelines recommend annual monitoring of lipid levels in those with an annual risk of cardiovascular events greater than 5%. In those with a risk of less than 5%, testing is recommended every 3 to 5 years. We then conducted an analysis using Ontario administrative databases and the Canadian Community Health Survey to estimate the current frequency of lipid testing in Ontario. The results show that people in Ontario at very low, low, intermediate, and high risk are being tested once every 4.4, 1.9, 1.4, and 1.0 times per year, respectively. We estimated that it would cost approximately $52.2 million to increase province-wide rates of lipid testing to levels recommended by CCS guidelines. Given the lack of evidence supporting the CCS guidelines and the large cost of implementation, we think it prudent to await the results of further research before implementing this strategy."--Plain language summary.