FAQ: Veterans' Cholesterol Improvement Program with Health Coaches

What is the main finding of this cholesterol improvement program for veterans?

After 24 months, 34% of veterans with heart and blood vessel disease achieved improved LDL cholesterol levels below 70 mg/dL through a quality improvement program that included health care coaches and other resources.

Why is reducing LDL cholesterol important for veterans?

Heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death among veterans, and elevated LDL cholesterol is a major risk factor for both. Lowering LDL cholesterol reduces the chances of having another heart attack or stroke and leads to better heart health and reduced healthcare costs.

How did the quality improvement program help veterans lower their cholesterol?

The program used a multipronged approach including health care coaches, multidisciplinary teams, engagement lists for at-risk veterans, improved medication prescribing practices, and health information/resources about cholesterol and lifestyle management.

What were the specific barriers to cholesterol management that this program addressed?

The program addressed poor medication adherence among veterans, gaps in health information and education support for veterans and professionals on cholesterol management and lifestyle changes, and staffing shortages at Veterans Affairs health care centers.

Who conducted this research and where was it presented?

The research was conducted by Dr. Luc Djousse from Massachusetts Veterans Epidemiology Research and Information Collaborative (MAVERIC) and was presented as a preliminary late-breaking science presentation at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2025 in New Orleans.

What age group showed particularly positive results in this program?

More than a third of veterans ages 75 and older achieved their lower cholesterol goal, showing significant benefit for older veterans in the program.

How significant was the improvement in cholesterol levels achieved?

The program resulted in a 32% increase in the number of veterans reducing their LDL cholesterol below 70 mg/dL, and for those in the program for at least 2 years with a second measurement, 33.5% achieved the LDL cholesterol goal.

What is important to know about the status of this research?

This study is a research abstract presented at a scientific meeting and is not yet peer-reviewed. The findings are considered preliminary until published as a full manuscript in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

What was the cholesterol goal that veterans were trying to achieve?

The target LDL cholesterol goal for veterans with heart and blood vessel disease was below 70 mg/dL, which is considered the optimal level for reducing cardiovascular risk.