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National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) was created in 1985 by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The NCEP aims to educate professionals and the public about the benefits of lowering cholesterol levels as a way to reduce the risk for coronary heart disease. The NCEP raises cholesterol awareness through a cooperative effort among groups that include practitioners, public health professionals, community and voluntary organizations (including the American Heart Association), state and local government officials, and healthcare administrators. The media and industry representatives also participate in the program. The interest groups participating in the NCEP are communicating two important messages to the public and the healthcare professionals who treat them. The first is, "Know your blood cholesterol level. If it's high, you can reduce your risk of heart disease by lowering it." The NCEP's second message encourages all Americans to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle. This includes eating foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol, becoming physically active and controlling weight. Patterned after the National High Blood Pressure Education Program, the NCEP is founded on two principles. First, its educational initiatives and messages are based on firm scientific evidence. Second, various public and private healthcare organizations are partners with the NHLBI in developing and carrying out the campaign. The Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) of the NCEP issued an evidence-based set of guidelines on cholesterol management in 2001. Since then, five major clinical trials of statin therapy have been published. A 2004 publication appearing in the journal Circulation reviews the results of these recent trials and assesses their implications for cholesterol management. The NCEP uses a variety of materials and channels to educate people about the benefits of lowering cholesterol levels. The NCEP's interactive Web site (www.nhlbi.nih.gov/chd) provides cholesterol-lowering information that's user-friendly. Related AHA Scientific Statements: Related AHA publications/Web content:
See also: Cholesterol Exercise (Physical Activity) National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Obesity and Overweight Step I , Step II and TLC Diets |
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