Treatment of multiple-risk patients: using combination therapy to treat beyond LDL lowering.
During the past 25 years, the role of traditional "risk factors" in the genesis of atherosclerotic vascular disease has been convincingly validated. The impact of elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hypertension, type II diabetes, and metabolic syndrome are now well accepted. However, until recently, there was guilt by association without a clear understanding of the manner in which the crime was committed. It is now acknowledged that the presence of multiple risk factors can increase the likelihood of an ischemic event. This has become a great concern, given the very high prevalence of patients who fall into this category. In light of this information, the mandate for appropriate guideline-driven therapy has become even stronger, and we must consider the use of multiple medications to effectively neutralize this risk.
Weintraub
Howard S
HS
Lipid Treatment and Research Center, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA. howard.weintraub@nyumc.org
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000187:drug effects*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents