Treating Dyslipidemia in Adults: An Update

Dyslipidemia is an important risk for the promotion of atherosclerosis and the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Currently available drugs can effectively lower the increased levels of blood cholesterol in most patients and prevent the development and progression of CVD. This paper focuses on the adverse cardiovascular effects produced by high blood cholesterols and the overall management of dyslipidemia in adults. Relevant guidelines and research papers published mainly after the year 2000 on the management of dyslipidemia were reviewed. High levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), or low levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), combined or independently are associated with increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), an atherogenic lipoprotein has emerged recently as the key factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. High triglyceride (TG) levels are associated with acute and recurrent pancreatitis. The purpose of treating lipid disorders is to prevent the development of ASCVD and pancreatitis. The treatment of dyslipidemia includes multifactorial life style intervention and pharmacotherapy with lipid modifying drugs. Reduction of LDL-C is substantially associated with reduction of risk of ASCVD and evidences show that “lower is better” for LDL-C reduction.