[The treatment and outlook of atherosclerosis today].
Nowadays, the success of atherosclerosis therapy and the efficacy of cardiovascular disease prevention can rely on a comprehensive strategy. New algorithms derived from large population studies have improved the risk evaluation for the single individual and, consequently, the therapeutic approach can be better adapted to the specific needs of the patient. Improvements of noninvasive techniques, such as B-mode ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, allow for the reproducible and precise monitoring of lesion evolution that can be easily applied to large population samples. Ongoing studies regarding the relationship between circulating markers of atherosclerosis and the occurrence of cardiovascular events will improve our assessment of impending risk. Finally, the presence of pleiotropic effects of statins in vivo (and, perhaps, of fibrates as well) underscores the added value of this class of drugs in the treatment of lipid disorders and in the prevention of cardiovascular events. Prospectively, the integration of all these approaches will have a desirable impact on the qualitative improvement of human longevity.
Faggiotto
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A
Istituto di Scienze Farmacologiche, Università degli Studi, Milano.
Paoletti
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R
D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
D015415:Biomarkers; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents