Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Lipid disorders
Lipid disorders: the challenge of patient management
Abstract
Lipid abnormalities play a key role in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). Lipid-lowering therapy reduces the risk of a future coronary event in those with or without prior CHD and reduces the risk of stroke in those with prior CHD. Statins are the first choice in drug therapy for a predominant cholesterol problem, whereas for a predominant triglyceride problem fibrates are still the first option for treatment.
Key Points
- Blood lipids are important factors in coronary heart disease.
- Lipid therapy safely and effectively reduces coronary risk and increases life expectancy.
- Lipids assume their greatest importance in those patients with prior CHD or in those with multiple risk factors.
- Statins are the first choice in drug selection for a predominant cholesterol problem.
- Fibrates are the first choice in drug selection for a predominant triglyceride problem.
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