Current Trends in Lipid-Lowering Target Therapy

Abstract

Context: Dyslipidemia is a disorder of lipid metabolism that results in abnormal plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It is a major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). Evidence Acquisition: This narrative mini-review included the most relevant articles, without a time restriction. Results: Statins are the first-line pharmacological therapy for dyslipidemia. They reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B, while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Ezetimibe is the second most widely used non-statin lipid-lowering agent for lowering LDL-C and is added to statins as combination lipid-lowering therapy in patients with high and extremely high ASCVD risk. Gene-transfer and gene-editing approaches have been introduced for the treatment of certain types of dyslipidemia; however, they remain suboptimal. Conclusions: Statins are first-line medications that should be added to lifestyle modification for the treatment of most dyslipidemias. A combination of statins and ezetimibe is recommended for patients with high and extremely high ASCVD risk.