Plant sterols and their role in combined use with statins for lipid lowering.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is currently one of the major contributors to the global burden of disease. Combination treatments to promote a maximal reduction of the ratio between total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein are currently the most effective way of preventing CVD. In this review, we assess the role of plant sterols and statins in CVD prevention. Statins have been used by millions of patients at high to moderate risk of CVD, while plant sterols are potentially available to whole populations in food products. The benefits and risks of each compound, as well as the combination, are discussed.
Normén
Lena
L
Canadian HIV Trials Network, Pacific Region, St Paul's Hospital/Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. lnormen@providencehealth.bc.ca
Holmes
Daniel
D
Frohlich
Jiri
J
D000818:Animals; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015394:Molecular Structure; D010840:Phytosterols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D010840:Phytosterols; D002784:Cholesterol