Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a leading cause of disability and death in Australia, despite well-established prevention and treatment strategies. Lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is proven to reduce risk and improve outcomes, yet few Australians achieve optimal levels through a regular 'test and treat' cycle. 

Australia already has the key elements to enable this approach: subsidised diagnostics and medicines, evidence-based patient support programs, skilled healthcare professionals and a supportive policy environment. However, these elements are not effectively connected, leaving a major gap in care. Several barriers contribute to this problem: patients and clinicians often underestimate the importance of LDL-C management; care coordination across the health system remains fragmented; and policy action has been slow, delaying widespread implementation of best practice. 

The result is that a treatable condition becomes harder to manage than it should be, leading to preventable ASCVD events and lives lost. Australia now faces a critical opportunity. With all the resources in place, the challenge is to bring them together into a cohesive model of care that enables early testing, timely treatment and ongoing management. This report puts forward five recommendations to help achieve this goal. By aligning existing policies, programs and services, Australia can significantly reduce the burden of ASCVD, improve population health outcomes and save lives.