[Therapy of Hypercholesterolemia in Primary Prevention]

Abstract

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of premature mortality and morbidity worldwide. Dyslipidemia is a commonly encountered clinical condition and is an important determinant of cardiovascular disease. The causality of plasma low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease has been established beyond any reasonable doubt. In this context, individual risk estimation, the determination of target values and lipid-lowering strategies represent an essential part and a challenge in the daily clinical practice to prevent cardiovascular events. Statins are recommended as first-line therapy for patients with hypercholesterolemia in secondary prevention. Controversies remain in the context of primary prevention, however, as to which kind of subjects to treat, the magnitude of the benefit, and potential harm. This article gives a brief overview of the current evidence, guideline recommendations and strategies for lowering of LDL-C in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.