Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Lipid disorders

Lipid disorders: the challenge of patient management

Leon A Simons
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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