Although no studies have directly tested treatment to target strategies, the target LDL-C and non HDL-C levels are derived from several randomized controlled trials where the LDL-C levels achieved for patients showing benefit are used to suggest targets. Thus, references for the studies from which targets are derived are listed and targets are considered as level of evidence C. Importantly, this guideline statement for patients with atherosclerotic disease does not modify the recommendations of the 2004 ATP III update for patients without atherosclerotic disease who have diabetes mel- litus or multiple risk factors and a 10-year risk level for CHD .20%. In the latter 2 types of high-risk patients, the recom- mended LDL-C goal of ,100 mg/dL has not changed. Finally, to avoid any misunderstanding about cholesterol management in general, it must be emphasized that a reasonable cholesterol level of ,70 mg/dL does not apply to other types of lower-risk individuals who do not have CHD or other forms of atheroscle- rotic disease; in such cases, recommendations contained in the 2004 ATP III update still pertain. The writing group agreed that no further changes be made in the recommendations for treat- ment of dyslipidemia pending the expected publication of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute s updated ATP guide- lines in 2012. Similar recommendations were made for the treatment of hypertension by the writing group pending the publication of the updated report of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute s Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure guidelines, expected in the spring of 2012. Trials involving other secondary prevention therapies also have influenced major practice guidelines used to formulate the recommendations in the present update. 