Reducing residual risk for patients on statin therapy: the potential role of combination therapy.
Cholesterol-lowering therapy with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, or statins, has been established as an effective method of reducing death and myocardial infarction among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, a significant number of patients receiving statin therapy continue to have high residual risk. An important clinical challenge exists in reducing residual CAD risk with optimal therapies without increasing adverse effects. Combination therapy appears most appropriate for patients with a high rate of events of residual risk despite optimal statin therapy. This article discusses the role of combination therapy in managing CAD and in achieving optional targets in high-risk patient populations.
Davidson
Michael H
MH
Rush Medical College, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60610, USA. michaeldavidson@radiantresearch.com
D000069059:Atorvastatin; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D050171:Dyslipidemias / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D011345:Fenofibrate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006538:Heptanoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011758:Pyrroles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012307:Risk Factors
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D006538:Heptanoic Acids; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D011758:Pyrroles; D000069059:Atorvastatin; D011345:Fenofibrate