CPD

• The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is highly contagious with a highly variable clinical presentation.
• Most infected individuals will have an asymptomatic course, with a minority developing significant complications.
• Haematological parameters on presentation may predict for disease severity.
• Rare inflammatory conditions in children and impacts on blood tests are being increasingly recognised.

Keeping LDL-C levels lower throughout life can help substantially reduce CVD risk.¹ GPs play an essential role in identifying patients at risk of CVD and managing their treatment.² This includes prescribing lipid-lowering medicines for people at high risk of CVD.³ Although for most patients, elevated lipids can be assessed and managed effectively by GPs, there are some groups of patients who may benefit from referral to a specialist.⁴ These include patients whose total cholesterol is more than 7.5mmol/L, patients who fail to show an effective response to second-line treatment and those with familial hypercholesterolaemia.⁴