Dyslipidemia is only one signal of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Inflammation is a frequent precursor of cardiac-related events. Drs. Willerson, Ballantyne, and Ridker critically examine the mechanisms of atherosclerosis, elevated C-reactive protein and other risk factors, and statin therapy to preemptively address or ameliorate CVD.

Little success has been realized in achieving target levels for glycemic control, lipids, and blood pressure, as a result the number of patients with diabetes in the U.S. with these risk factors has increased. Drs. Davidson, Blumenthal, and Svec discuss appropriate treatments to guide the physician in the prevention of CVD.

Join Drs. Davidson, Sabatine, Sacks, Chapman, and Foody in an exciting discussion about the advances in genetic markers in assessing cardiovascular risk and targeting therapy.

The following test-and-teach case is an educational activity modeled on the interactive grand rounds approach. The questions within the activity are designed to test your current knowledge. After each question, you will be able to see whether you answered correctly and will then read evidence-based information that supports the most appropriate answer choice. Please note that these questions are designed to challenge you; you will not be penalized for answering the questions incorrectly. At the end of the case, there will be a short post-test assessment based on material covered in the activity.

Genetic findings that affect the course of diseases have been increasing geometrically. Cardiology is one of the specialties that has benefited from recent discoveries. David Danar, MD, Scientific Director, MedscapeCME, interviewed John P. Kane, MS, MD, PhD, about the role of genetics in determining the risk for and management of heart disease.