Critical Appraisal of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Dyslipidaemias: Lipid Modification to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk: European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and European Atherosclerosis Society (ESC/EAS) 2019 Guidelines

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the quality of the recently published European clinical practice guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias, utilizing the refined Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation tool. Method: The 2019 European Society of Cardiology and European Atherosclerosis Society Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias: lipid modification to reduce cardiovascular risk was appraised and scored for methodological rigour and transparency by 5 independent appraisers using a validated tool. Key findings: The guideline scored highest in the domains that evaluated editorial independence (100%) and clarity of presentation (98.6%) and lowest in the domains that addressed stakeholder involvement (55.56%) and rigour of development (63%). Overall the quality of the guideline was high, and all reviewers recommended its use in practice. Conclusion: The guideline's overall quality was judged to be high, and all appraisers recommended its use in practice without modifications.