Coronary heart disease (CHD) was the leading cause of death in the United States for
both men and women. Stroke was the third leading cause of death and is a leading
cause of severe, long-term disability among adults in the United States. Studies have shown
a relation between dyslipidemia and CHD for several decades and lowering of low-density
lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) with statins has become part of the standard treatment
regimen in patients with established CHD. Despite efficacy of current standards of care
(including achievement of LDL-C, blood pressure and blood sugar goals), patients with
atherogenic dyslipidemia which is common in patients with diabetes mellitus, metabolic
syndrome or cardiovascular diseases remain exposed to a high residual risk of major
cardiovascular vents and micro vascular complications. Satin therapy does not adequately
address vascular risk associated with elevated triglycerides and low HDL-C levels. As studies shows, the addition of lipid modifying activity of fenofibrate to statin therapy benefited only certain subgroups of patients at increased cardio metabolic risk. Although, there is still under treatment with statins, especially in patients with CV disease. Less than 50% of patients were on target for LDL-cholesterol. Patients who do not achieve thresholds for statin therapy, but who are otherwise at high risk for cardiovascular. Events, should nonetheless receive statin therapy. Ersin Ekpinar, Lipid-lowering strategies and reduction of coronary heart disease risk in primary care.
Last date updated on September, 2024