The Southeast Lipid Association (SELA) was formed in the mid-1990s by a group of researchers and clinicians interested in advancing proper care for patients with abnormal blood lipids through research and education. Although the group was predominantly composed of physicians, the PCNA has always had a presence on SELA's Board of Directors and Terry Thomas, MSN, RN, has tirelessly fulfilled that role from the beginning. Jerilyn Allen, ScD, RN, has served on the Board since 2001 and PCNA now has additional representation on the SELA Board of Directors with Carol Mason, ARNP, joining Terry and Jeri.
Although SELA is a relatively young professional organization, its success and recognition soon became evident in its need to expand throughout the United States. It was thought best to accomplish this by establishing a national organization under which SELA would sit as a designated region and as a model for additional regions to follow. Thus, in 2001, the National Lipid Association (NLA) was established and Barbara Fletcher, RN, MN, FAAN, was asked to serve on the NLA Board of Directors as a representative from PCNA. This year she is joined by Mary Ann Champagne, MSN, RN, also a PCNA Board member.
Recently, two more regions have been established as part of NLA, the Midwest Lipid Association and the South Central Lipid Association. The NLA has a goal in 2005 to have three additional regional lipid associations established for a total of six regional lipid associations covering the United States. Through this growth, its mission and goals will be accomplished. Since PCNA has similar goals, we have enjoyed a worthwhile professional relationship through the years and look forward to working together with NLA and its regional associations in the future.
The 7th annual scientific forum of SELA was held in conjunction with the NLA, August 6-8, 2004, in Orlando, Fla. This scientific forum, "Adventures in Lipid Management," was well attended by physicians, nurses, dietitians, and other healthcare providers interested in CVD prevention. The forum provided an excellent opportunity for colleagues to share scientific ideas and patient care strategies pertaining to management of abnormal blood lipids. Specific presentations addressed the following:
* New evidence from recent dyslipidemia trials and the rationale for revising the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) Guidelines
* Current and emerging markers of elevated cardiovascular risk
* Difference between available lipid testing techniques
* Lipoprotein metabolism and alternative views of atherosclerotic pathophysiology
* Use of coronary CT and carotid ultrasound as prognostic tools
* Use of imaging results to set lower LDL treatment targets
* New therapeutic options in the management of obesity
* Dietary changes and exercise training that have been shown to favorably alter lipid parameters and reduce cardiovascular events
* The rationale, benefits, barriers, and concerns on the availability of "over-the-counter" statins
* Novel treatment options being explored for dyslipidemia
Of particular interest to nurses working in cardiovascular prevention was the presentation, "Current and Emerging Markers for CHD Risk," by Dr Eliot Brinton. It was suggested that practitioners should stringently evaluate each current and future novel risk factor for coronary artery disease by qualities such as:
* Consistency of prospective data,
* Standardized measure,
* High laboratory reproducibility,
* Low cost
Dr Brinton also offered a plan to customize the NCEP ATP III Guidelines by adjusting the LDL-C up or down from 1 to 30 mg/dL depending on (a) the patient's position within the risk category (add if the patient is low risk and subtract if the patient is high risk); (b) the patient's overall health; (c) and the patient's wishes. We as clinicians sometimes forget to factor in patient wishes.
Dr Hunter Young gave a very provocative luncheon presentation, "Genetic and Environmental Interactions in the Evolution of the Metabolic Syndrome." This most interesting talk depicted migrating behaviors and ultimately risk factor development.
As Africa changed from a rain forest environment to an arid environment, man moved away from the equator toward the north and south poles. Since greater fat stores were needed in cooler environments, body fat stores changed along with a different requirement for salt and water, thus resulting in obesity and hypertension.
This very complex lecture offered an insight into the beginnings of cardiovascular risk factors as we know them today.
There was an excellent symposium on the impact of diet on cholesterol and healthy discussions among speakers representing the South Beach Diet, the Atkins Diet, and the Mediterranean Diet. In the end there was no clear winner or loser, but the clinician is left with the task of individualizing each patient's dietary prescription.
Four workshops were held after the plenary sessions. The workshops included "Strategies for Running a Successful Lipid and/or Metabolic Syndrome Clinic," Developments in the Management of Obesity," "Effect of Aerobic/Resistive Exercise Training on the Management of Cardiovascular Risk and Risk Factors," and "Get Tough on Angina" (Presented by PCNA). In addition to these workshops, a "Lipid Clinic Training Program" for new lipid professionals was held prior to the actual scientific forum.
The program was held at the Royal Pacific Resort, a setting that enabled a continuous flow of scientific evidence and ideas in addition to capitalizing on the adventure and family aspects of Disney World. Next year, the NLA will hold its scientific forum in conjunction with the Midwest Lipid Association in Chicago and the SELA Scientific Forum will be held in Pinehurst, NC. Both will follow a similar format and promise to be just as scientifically stimulating as "Adventures in Lipid Management."
You can join PCNA or renew your membership by visitinghttp://www.pcna.net. For questions about membership, contact Kristie La Haye, Membership Coordinator, at 608-250-2440 or e-mail [email protected]. If you are interested in learning more about PCNA, visithttp://www.pcna.netor contact us at [email protected].
Section Description
The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing is the official journal of the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association. The mission of the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association is to promote nurses as leaders in cardiovascular risk reduction and disease management.