Updates in the management of Dyslipidaemia in the high and very high risk individual for CV risk reduction

Med J Malaysia. 2018 Jun;73(3):154-162.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been the main cause of mortality and an important cause of morbidity in Malaysia for several years. To reduce global cardiovascular (CV) risk in the population, primary preventive strategies need to be implemented. Hypercholesterolaemia is one of the major risk factors for CVD. This paper is an expert review on the management of hypercholesterolemia focusing on high and very high risk individuals. In low and Intermediate risk individuals, therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) and a healthy lifestyle alone may suffice. In high and very high risk individuals, drug therapy in conjunction with TLC are necessary to achieve the target LDL-C levels which have been shown to slow down progression and sometimes even result in regression of atherosclerotic plaques. Statins are first-line drugs because they have been shown in numerous randomized controlled trials to be effective in reducing CV events and to be safe. In some high risk individuals, despite maximally tolerated statin therapy, target Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) levels are not achieved. These include those with familial hypercholesterolaemia and statin intolerance. This paper discusses non-statin therapies, such as ezetimibe and the newer Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 Inhibitors (PCSK9-i).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Dyslipidemias / drug therapy
  • Dyslipidemias / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Hypercholesterolemia / therapy
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Risk Factors
  • Risk Reduction Behavior*

Substances

  • Hypolipidemic Agents