Statin intolerance and new lipid-lowering treatments

Abstract

C oronary artery disease continues to be the leading cause of death in developed countries, and rates are rapidly rising in the developing world. 1 With the current obesity epidemic and growth of metabolic syndrome, its prevalence is likely to continue to climb. Along with hypertension, diabetes, and smoking, hyperlipidemia has consistently been shown to be one of the most signifi cant and modifi able risk factors of coronary artery disease development and progression. ipid-lowering therapy is important for secondary prevention for patients with known cardiovascular disease, as well as for primary prevention for those at increased risk. Although guidelines have historically focused on achieving specifi c levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), there is increasing recognition that in many cases lower levels are progressively benefi cial, making lipid-lowering therapies especially relevant.