Beyond Statins: Evidence-Based Approaches to Achieving LDL-C Targets and Reducing Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk

This activity was originally presented at the 2026 Cardiology Day of Education.

Endorsed by the American College of Cardiology

Disclaimer: ACCF makes no guarantees or promises regarding the contents of PTCE’s program.

Program Information

Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and health care expenditure in the United States, driven in part by uncontrolled hyperlipidemia. Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (apoB), and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] contribute significantly to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), yet many patients do not achieve recommended lipid targets despite available therapies.

This session will review contemporary guideline-directed strategies for LDL-C lowering, including recommendations from the recently updated American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology multisociety dyslipidemia guideline, along with evolving approaches to risk assessment and detection of subclinical ASCVD. Faculty will highlight evidence supporting earlier and more intensive lipid-lowering, including the role of nonstatin therapies such as ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, inclisiran, bempedoic acid, and emerging agents targeting LDL-C and Lp(a). Patient cases will be used to reinforce real-world application.

Target audience: Community pharmacists

Type of activity: Application

Release date: June 25, 2026

Expiration date: June 25, 2027

Learner level: Foundational, Intermediate

Time to complete activity: 1.5 hours

Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Identify key risk-enhancing factors that drive the development and progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in patients with hyperlipidemia
• Distinguish low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) treatment targets for primary versus secondary prevention based on the latest American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association cholesterol management guidelines
• Interpret clinical trial data to determine when non-statin therapies should be incorporated to help achieve LDL-C goals and lower ASCVD risk
• Optimize evidence-based and guideline-driven strategies to individualize lipid-lowering therapy for patients with hyperlipidemia

Accreditation

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.5 contact hours (0.15 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-26-182-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through June 25, 2027.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, view the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

Faculty

Joseph Saseen, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, has the following relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose:

Other: Member, Amgen Data Safety Monitoring Board for CV Outcome trials

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Rose Buszka, PharmD, BCPS, CHCP; Kylie Ferrentino; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Any relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated.

At least one anonymous peer reviewer was used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer

Continuing professional education activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved by the labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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