On 21st April 2026, I had the privilege of speaking at the Sandoz JB GP Forum held at Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre. The event brought together general practitioners and healthcare professionals from across Johor for an evening of practical, case-based discussions aimed at improving primary care management.
My Session: Cholesterol Control in Real-World Practice
My talk, titled:
“Are You in Control of Your Cholesterol? Goals & Management of Hyperdyslipidemia”
focused on one of the most critical yet often underestimated cardiovascular risk factors — cholesterol.
We explored:
- The importance of early detection and risk stratification
- Updated LDL-C targets based on cardiovascular risk
- Common gaps in achieving lipid goals in daily practice
- Practical strategies to optimize treatment, including when to intensify therapy
- The role of patient adherence and long-term follow-up
One key takeaway is simple but powerful:
👉 Many patients are treated, but not treated to target.
Bridging the Gap in Primary Care
Primary care plays a central role in preventing heart attacks and strokes. However, despite clear guidelines, a significant number of patients remain above their recommended LDL levels.
During the session, we discussed:
- When lifestyle measures are not enough
- When to escalate therapy beyond statins
- How to individualize treatment without overcomplicating care
The goal is not just prescribing medication — but achieving outcomes.
Engaging Discussions & Collaboration
The session was followed by an interactive Q&A, where we had insightful discussions on real-world challenges faced by GPs — from patient compliance to medication accessibility.
It was encouraging to see such active participation and shared commitment toward improving cardiovascular care in the community.
Gratitude
I would like to thank Sandoz Malaysia for organizing this meaningful forum, and all the attendees for their engagement and thoughtful questions.
Final Thought
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death, but it is also one of the most preventable.
Control the cholesterol — control the risk.