This entails delineation of recommendations addressing specific clinical questions, fol- lowed by concise text, with hyperlinks to supportive evidence. This approach better accommodates time constraints on busy clinicians, facilitates easier access to recommendations via electronic search engines and other evolving technology (eg, smart phone apps), and supports the evolution of guidelines as living documents that can be dynamically updated as needed. Intended Use Practice guidelines provide recommendations applicable to patients with or at risk of developing cardiovascular dis- ease. The focus is on medical practice in the United States, but guidelines developed in collaboration with other organi- zations may have a broader target. Although guidelines may inform regulatory or payer decisions, they are intended to improve quality of care in the interest of patients. Class of Recommendation and Level of Evidence The Class of Recommendation (COR) and Level of Evidence (LOE) are derived independently of one another according to established criteria. The COR indicates the strength of recommendation, encompassing the estimated magnitude and certainty of benefit of a clinical action in proportion to risk. The LOE rates the quality of scientific evidence sup- porting the intervention on the basis of the type, quantity, and consistency of data from clinical trials and other sources Relationships With Industry and Other Entities The ACC and AHA sponsor the guidelines without commer- cial support, and members volunteer their time. The Task Force zealously avoids actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest that might arise through relationships with indus- try or other entities (RWI). All Guideline Writing Committee (GWC) members and reviewers are required to disclose current industry relationships or personal interests from 12 months before initiation of the writing effort. 