Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in high-risk asymptomatic individuals.
Cardiovascular disease claims more lives each year than the other 4 leading causes of death combined. Current prevention and treatment models focus on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). In 2001, the National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III established new risk categories as well as new LDL-C targets especially for high-risk individuals. Since the implementation of these new guidelines, several relevant clinical trials have been published. The results of these trials suggest that lower LDL-C levels confer a more favorable cardiovascular outcome in high-risk individuals. The idea that low levels of LDL-C are related to a halt in atherosclerosis or even plaque regression has been entertained and investigated. Recent studies conducted exclusively on individuals with known diabetes have provided an important insight on how to appropriately manage diabetic dyslipidemia.
Department of Cardiology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. jriver16@jhmi.edu
Juan J
JJ
Rivera
Roger S
RS
Blumenthal
Dominique
D
Ashen
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL