Advances in treatment of cholesterol abnormalities. The role of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.
The introduction of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors has provided an important new class of agents that reduce levels of total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol more powerfully than any previously used drugs. Multiple clinical trials have shown a significant decrease in lipid values and cardiovascular events and a slowing of the progression of atherosclerosis in men and women of all ages. The Scandinavian Simvastatin Survival Study demonstrated a significant reduction in all-cause mortality as a result of reduced cardiovascular mortality. The HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors should be considered as first-line therapy for hypercholesterolemia in all patients with established atherosclerosis involving the coronary, carotid, or peripheral vessels.
Lipid Disorder Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC., USA.
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Rackley
D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000191:economics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics / Q000401:mortality; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values
D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D002784:Cholesterol