Divergent approaches to the treatment of dyslipidemia with low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Further therapy should be considered for patients who have reached target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels but have low plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) since rates of coronary artery disease continue to be high for a sizable proportion of this population. Lifestyle approaches include dietary changes, smoking cessation, moderate alcohol intake, concomitant drug reassessment, and specific coexistent conditions. Aggressive statin therapy still leaves a high residual rate of cardiac events. Other drug approaches include estrogen, fibrate, niacin therapy, and combinations of these agents. Recent results from an ongoing trial of combination extended-release prescription niacin plus lovastatin are very promising.
Pearson
T A
TA
Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, University of Rochester, Strong Memorial Hospital, New York, USA.
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood / Q000172:deficiency; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004338:Drug Combinations; D000431:Ethanol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015248:Gemfibrozil / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000628:therapy*; D008019:Life Style; D008148:Lovastatin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009525:Niacin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D004338:Drug Combinations; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D009525:Niacin; D000431:Ethanol; D008148:Lovastatin; D015248:Gemfibrozil